ne teertiion ing mY Ursa “ann ai hetigh semana te Oho ohana ss “Ww oPUy hid 7 ee sat a Ts ae aT ell i ale, 1) hae | We ee ie ge, i Vee he aye ; ay A in int, 2, ; ea Vol. TI. FREBRUARY, 1886. No. 12. it REE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. C. R. ORCUTT, Epitor AND PUBLISHER. Smiper wear.) SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, > “#*cenki** *° MOST SEASONABLE BOOKS HOR THE FIELD AND STUDY. Our books on NATURAL HISTORY are the best on the subject ever published. BOTANY. ae ples Seashore. Emerton. 1.50 ; - Tare aturalist’s Assistant. Kingsley. 1.50 ey re in Botany. Behrens-Her- | Naturalist’s Guide. Maynard. 2.00 Manual of the Mosses of North America. Methods. of Microscopical Investigation.” — Lesquereux and James. 4.00 Whitman. Probably 2.50 Ferns of North America. Eaton. Eighty- ENTOMOLOGY. one colored plates. 30.00 About Insects and How to Observe Them. Botanical Micro-Chemistry. Poulsen-Tre- Ebell. $ .30 lease. 1.00 Guide to the Study of Insects. Packard. 5.00 Botanical Collector’s Handbook. Bailey. 1.50 | Spiders; their Structure and Habits. Em- Lichens of North America. - Tuckerman. 3.50 erton. 1.50 Mushrooms of North America. Palmer. 2.00 | Insects Injurious to Vegetation. Harris. 4.00 Bacteria Investigation. Dolley. 2.00 ORNITHOLOGY. GENERAL ZOOLOGY. Our Birds and their Haunts. Langille. 3.00 Handbook of Invertebrate Zoology. Brooks. 3.00 | Manual of Taxidermy. Maynard. 1.25 Our Books should be on sale at all Bookstores, or will be sent postpaid, on receipt of price. Send to us for a copy of the prospectus of THE STANDARD NATURAL HISTORY, to be issued in 6 large octavo volumes, fu/ly illustrated. Written by all the leading American Scient- ~ S E. CASSINO & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. 44 ARCH STREET, BOSTON. « O to SHERRIFF'’S ARCADE for the very best ; S. LEVI, portraits, made by both the wet and instanta- ae carte S. F. San Diego. a oe. ie and enlarging, racer Be Hie iest locket up to life size, in crayon, pastel, India in cad alee a Babies’ neha iach by electri- KLAU BER & LEVI, neck $e Semi-tropical California Scenery of all cinds, by ' C i J A. SHERRIFF Groceries, Hardware, Agricul a 4rOGRAPE tural Implements LEADING PHOTOGRAPHER, ura Pp Cor. Fifth and E Sts. San Diego, Cal. Wher cthers fail] try Sherriff. Cor. Fifth and H Sts. San Diego, Cal, #® Entered at the Postoffice at San Diego, Cuifornia, as Second-Class Mail Matter, ry THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST Official organ of the San Diego Society of Natural History. A Popular Review and Record for the Pacific Slope. SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CAL, eatlamaliies S 8 oo niet 2 San Diego County is situate in the southern extremity of California—the Pacific ‘ocean on the west, and the grand Colorado river on the east. The Coast Range divides the County into two grand divisions, he eastern side has some good land, but is noted chiefly for its valuable mines anl minerals. The western side slopes toward the ocean, is interspersed with plains, valleys and table lands, running streams, timber and productive soils. It is well adapted to the diversified pursuits of agriculture, horticulture and grazing. It is this part of the County which is now being rapidly improved. The area of the County ts equal to that of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Islan combined—beiny 14,969 square miles, Population o1 the County in 1880 was $515; in 1884 it had increased to 13,000. Assessed valua- tion in 1880 was $3,525,253 ; in 1834, $8,140,000. One of the most important tupographical features of the County is the Bay of San Diego—a beautiful sheet of water more than 135 miles long, being the only land- locked harbor south of the Bay of San Francisco within American territory. The country embraced within the boundary lines of the County presents a constant succession of mountains, valleys and table lands, giving a wide range of adaptation to industrial pursuits and the climatic conditions suited to almost any possible ~.eed ur preference. wo transcontinental railways traverse the County—the Atlantic & Pacitic and the Southern Pacific. Along the lines of these :oads, and in other parts of the in. terior of the County, are many thrifty towns and settlements, which cannot here be described or mentioned, but just such localities as many would like for health, profit aud a pleasant home. The whole range of farm and garden productions of every kind, raised anywhere iu the United States, are successfully and profitably grown here, as well as a long list of tropical and semi-tropical fruits—such as figs, lemons, limes, oranges: olives, bananas, and many others—all unsurpassed in either size, quantity or quality, Pamphlets and other descriative matter furnished free. Address, Imnigration Association, San Diego, Cal. The West American Scientist. Vot. II. San Dixco, Cauir., Fepruary, 1886. No. 13. PROFESSOR GEORGE DAVIDSON. ~ [From the ‘‘Pacific Rural Press.”] Probably no name is better known in the scientific world of the Pacific Coast than that of Professor George Davidson, of the U. 8. Coast and Geodetic Survey, who was recently re-elected for the fifteenth time president of the California Acad- emy of Sciences. His active and untiring efforts, extending over a long period of time in advancing the interests of science on this coast, are well known; and the work he he. has accomplished in the service in which he holds high rank has earned for him a name and reputation which might be envied by any man. A brief sketch of his life and services will be uf interest to very many. George Davidson is at the head of the F ield Assistants of the U. 8. Coast and Geodetic Survey. He was 60 years of age in May last, and has been on the Survey over 40 years on consecutive duty, serving from Newfoundland to Texas and from Panama to Alaska. He came to the Pacific Coast early in 1859, when it was a new and difficult field, having been chosen for this special duty by Superintendent Bache. He served five consecutive years, winter and summer, on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts before that, and afterward during the rebellion, and has been again upon the Pacific Coast since 1867. Professor Davidson has made himself thoroughly familiar with the currents on the Pacific Coast and discovered the existence of inshore eddy currents which affects all bars and influences all improvements for harbors of refuge. He has given great attention to all hydraulic problems, to the water supply of large cities of Europe and America, and the drainage of great districts ( Egypt, Italy, Holland, ete.). Most of these studies were directly connected with the work of the Coast and Geo- detic Survey. : Beycnd these he has been an active member of the California Academy of Sci- ences and president since 1871, aad has published original investigations in geometry, in the devising of new instruments of precision, in the physical appearance of Sat- urn, Jupiter and Mars ; on the constitution or the tails of comets, the plateau of the Pacific off the California, etc. He has produced papers upon methods of determin. ing the solar parallax, the introduction of science in our public schools, the endow- 14 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. ment of scientific research by the State, the necessity for a physical survey of this State, etc. To the Geographical Society of the Pacific he has presented papers upon the ascent of the Makushin volcano, the eruptions of Bogoslov and other volcanoes, on the shoaling of the bar of Sin Francisco bay, the dangers of future shoaling, etc. After Prof. Peirce’s appointment a3 superinten lent of the coa:t survey, in 1867, Prof. Davidson was place in charge of the work on the Pacific Coast, and laid out all the schemes of work for all parties fom 1859 to 1875, and inspected all the fields of work. Anappeal to the records will show greater general progress and more system in that period than at any other. He made teleg-aphic connections for long- itude with all the different centers of triangulation and topography, and in the tele- graphic longitude work between Sin Francisco and Cambridge, determined directly the signal time over 7,290 miles of line. He determined the eastern boundary, 120th meridian, of California, in 1873. In 1881 he measurel the longest base-line yes attempted in trigonometrical operations, and with the greatest accuracy. In acknowledgment of the character of the system of triangulation developed from the Yolo base-line to the Sierra Nevada and the Coas‘ ranze, and the high standard of the observatiois, the super- intendent has designate1 it by the name of ‘‘ Davidson Qua rilaterals.” Professor Davidson holds the position of Honorary Professor of Geodesy and Astronomy in the Univ rsity of California (1873), made at the suggestion of Prof. Peirce, and was a regent of the same institution from 1877 to 1884. At his own expense he has maintained the first astronomicvl observatory on the Pacific Coast of North America, and has given the use of his equatorial to the survey when sp.cial observations demanded it. - _In 1873 he was appointed by the President of the United States one of the three U. 8. Comm’ssioners of Irrigation of California, with General B. 8. Alexander and Colonel G. H. Men lell. The report made by these Commissioners was pubtish- ed by the Government. Professor Dividson afterwards went officially through India, Egypt, Italy, etc., to study the same subject, and to examine and report upon harbors of re‘uge, ete. Aside from his scientific attainments in special branches, the subject of this sketch is an exceptionally well-informed man on general topics. Traveled and well read, there are few subjects which have esca; ed his attention. His social qualities are such as to have endeare | him to a la g2 ciccle of friends, and his convesational powers of a character to make him one of the most agreeable’ of compan‘ons. Few men are so frequently consulted for advice or informat on. It is one of his peculi- arities that he takes the greatest interest in young men, and is always ready to assist them in any possible way, a fact to which many he has helped can testify. Having grown sons of his own, he appreciates the thoughts and feelings of young men better than most men in his position are apt to do. ee eee Librarians and the s»cretaries of scientific societies are invited to exchange their publications for this journal, as: well as other publishers and authors of scientific works, THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 15 BOTANICAL NOTES, Among the later publications received, are the supplements and indexes to the Synoptical flora of North America, by Dr. Asa Gray. From the supplements we gather the following notes which will be of interest to our botanical readers, especi- ally those who may have received portions of the editor’s distributions of herbarium specimens. Pentacheta paleacea, Greene, founded on a few fragmentary specimens, is refer red to P. aurea, Nutt, Franseria chenopodifolia, Benth., found abundantly in the Tijuana valley, north of the U. S. boundary, and south to Magdalena bay, is given in my check-list as F. deltoidea, but was distributed under its true name. ‘Nemacladus tenuissimus and N. cappillaris, Greene, are given as synonyms of N. ramosissinus, Nutt., while N. pinnatifidus, Greene, is reduced to a varietal rank, as are also N. montanus and N. rubescens, Greene, both of the last under the one name, var. montanus. Arctostaphylos arguta? var. diversifolia, Parry, is raised to specific rank as A. diversifolia, Parry. Collomia, and certain bractless species of Loeselia are incorporated into Gilia : thus Loeselia tenuifolia, L. Matthewsii and L. guttata become gilias, along with Loeselia ‘ effusa—now Gilia Dunnii, Kellogg. Eucrypta is referred back to Ellisia, and Eucrypta paniculata, Nutt, (vide Greene) is described as Ellisia Torreyi. var. Orcuttii, n. var. Phacelia suffrutescens, Parry, is considered as of varietal rank only, and a new species closely related to P. Orcuttiana and P. Fremontii, is described, which was collected on the mountains of Lower California and has been sparingly distributed. under the herbarium number, 1087. The Eriodictyons are briefly treated, three species only being recognized; E. angustifolium (with var. pubens) being connected with E. glutinosum. The other two species are E. sessilifolium, Greene, (distributed under the manuscript name K. intermedium, Parry, and also asa variety of E. angustifolium), and E. tomento- sum, Benth. A revision of Mimulus is given, in which Dr. Gray prefers an arrangement of the genus under five subgenera toa division into various genera. He recognizes only two species under the section Diplacus, M. glutinosus and M. puniceus, and his arrangement differs in various other res, ects from that of Mr. Greene. M. ins odorus, Greene, is made M. moschatus var. sessilifolius; Greene’s M. guttatus is re- ferred back to M. luteus; M. androsaceus, Curran, is made a var. of Palmeri; and the re-establishment of the older name, M. exilis, Durand, in place of M. pilosus, Watson, are some of the changes. The plant hitherto referred to Aphyllon Ludovicianum, Gray, is referred to A, Cooperi, Gray. Trichostem a Parishii, Vasey, is reduced to a variety of T. lanatum. Monardella nana and M. tenuiflora are both given as varieties of M. macrantha, The plant distributed from the mountains of San Diego county as M. nana belongs to M. hypoleuca, Gray. 16 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. EDITOR'S NOTES. The printer omitted the note from the January number of the ScrenTIst, saying that no December (1885) number appeared. The January number was in type in Dezember, but the printer was delayed in printing, so that it was not issued til ‘February 22d. S. E. Cassino has retired from the firm of 8S. E. Cassino & Co., of Boston (who advertise in this paper), Bradle2 Whidleu continuing the business for the present under the same firm name. | California Erythraez are wanrtel by the editor, who requires about fifty fine herbarium specimens of nearly every species. We would acknowledge the receipt of valuable publications from the following authors: Geo. F. Kunz, Dr. C. C. Parry, Dr. Asa Gray, Prof. C. 8. Sargent, Abbott Kinney and Rev. E. L. Greene, which should reczive further notice if time and spac2 permitted. ; The pavement-like teeth of a sting ray, from Todos Santos bay, Lower Cali- fornia, forms the material upon which Miss Rosa 8 nith bases a new species, Rhin- optera encenadae, lately described in the proceedings of the U.S. national museum. Nearly one-fourth of those who had been duly electel to active m»mbership in the San Diego society of natural history, had failed to sign the constitution as required to do. The affairs of the society have been con lucted very loosely in the past and we see slight hope for an improvement. in the future. It is hoped that some distinguished scientist will visit San Diego soon, when we shall have the pleasure of recording the ‘proceedings’ of another meeting. ‘We have made a mistake in encouraging alditions of persons who are not interested in natural history, as me nbers,’ writes the secretary of one of the prom- inent scientific societies on the covrst, very truly giving that as the cause of their i] suecess in one of the most educated sections of the state. The sec etary of another society writes: ‘It is easy to awaken an enthusiasm, but hard to keep it up; our society is now inactive.’ The secretary of the young Humboldt society of natural history has publishel a letter giving some valuabl: information of nterest to the members of that associ- ation. The membership is lazgely composed of teachers, who should interest their scholars in the personal obs rvation of the objects of Nature. We would advise them (and all other teac»ers as well) to orginize chapters of that grand institution for young people, the Agassiz association, the surest way of enlisting and retaining the attention of their pupils, as well as of preserving their own interest in the pur- suit of knowledge. What is an editor to do, when, after the secon] proof-reading, the printer makes some ‘pie’ and changes a ‘collector’ into a ‘doctor’? EL pluribus unum. We ask correspondents to senl in more notes and short articles, selected or original, which they would like to see in print or have in a permanent form that would be suitable for this paper. ; Subscribe, we want your name on our books. If you can ill spare a dollar, we will be glad of natural history or other specime2as. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 17 SSE Se ean SAN FRANCISCO MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY, . January 13, 1886. Dr. C. P. Bates, ‘Culture methods used in the study of micro-organi ms.’ January 27. Dr. Ferrer, “The advantages claimed by Koch’s gelatine method.’ February 10. Dr. Mouser, ‘Annual address,’ ‘he annual reports of the secre- tary and tre. ur r were receivel. The officers for the coming year were elected as follows: S. M. Mouser, president; E. J. Wickson, vice-president; A. M. Hickox, treas.; Chas. W. Banks, corresponding sec’y; A. H. Breckenfeld, recording sec’y. February.24. F. L. Howard, ‘On Teredo navalis and Limnoria terebrans.’ as FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. The oldest and every way the best young people’s paper in the country is the Yourn’s Companion, of Boston,—a weekly paper, pablished in quarto form, and finely illustrated. It grows fresher as its years increase, and has been familiar to us fo. a generation. It has perpetuated it elf and swelled its sub cription list to 350,000 by the gen- erosity of its publishers and the ability with which it has been conducted. We know a pair of bright eyes that snap every week ats ght of it. The publishers will send you sample copies, or will send you the paper every week to January, 1887, if you send the subscription price, $1.75, now. sical Soy WANTED. Manuscripts and Autograph Letters of distinguishel people. Ancient and Mod- ern Curiois Manuscript, relics or books. Pay cash, Wr-te what you have toC. F. Gunther, 78 Madison St., Chicago. CHARLES RUSSELL ORCUTT. IFE MEMBERSHIP of the San Diego Society of Natural History, etc., dealer in Seeds, Bulbs, JPlants, Shells, Curios, Books, Periedicals and Natural History specimens. Publisher of The West American Scientist, San Diego, California, United States of America. THE SOUTHERN GEOLOGIST, Devoted to Mineralogy, Geology, and Archaeology. All the latest news in every issue. Subscription, 50c. per year, 5 cents per copy. Send for advertlsing rates. J. M. MURKIN, Jr. Nashville, Tenn. HEL for working people. Send 10° cents postage and we will mail vou free, a royal, valuable sample box of goods that will put you in the way of making more} money in a few days than you ever thought possible at any business. Capital not required. You can live at home and work in spare time only, or allthe time. Allof both sexes, of ali ages grandly successful. 50 cents to $5 easily earned every evening. That all who want work may test the business, we make this unpaaralleled offer. To all who are not well satisfied we will send $1 to pay for the trouble of writ- ing us. Full particulars, directions, etc., sent free. Immense pay absolutely sure for all who start at once. Don’t delay. Address STINSON & CO., Portland, Maine. WIN: money than at anything else by taking an agency. for the best selling bookout. Be- ginners succeed grandly. None fail. Terms free. HALLETT BOOK CO., Portland, Maine. A PRIZE Send six cents for postage aud receive free, a costly box of goods which will help s youto more money right away than anything else in this world. All, of either sex, succeed from the first hour. The broad road to fortuue opens before the workers, absolutely sure, At once address, TRUE & CO., Augusta, Maine. 18 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. FERNS. A large order of plants, containing near 3,000 kinds, mainly of tropica¥ regions, many of which are extensively cultivated for ornament. Some of the beautiful varietie : peculiar to California are difficult to grow with success, so that Notholena and Cheilanthes (two of the most interesting genera) should be avoided by ama- teurs. ‘lhe roots are sent out late in inthe summer when they are perfectly dry in which condition they reach their destination (with the exception of Woodwardia ani the Aspidiumes, which have to be sent out damp. ) — Each. Per Doz. Polypolium Californicim, Kaulf., Calif. polypody, Larger than tne. Paster ..s5......- tee ectie ie o lit dele aie ig IEEE ot Hoke ee lee . $0.10 $0.75 Gymnogramme triangularis, Kaulf. Calif. gold fern. One of the most successfully grown........ «0 Koad Duan tbn.o bain eeep erie cree ee hal ae -7d Variety. viscosa, Eaton. Silver ferm. 2.22.4 .0c ccs ce. s ene ee eee | 15 N rtholena Newberryi, Eaton, Cotton fern...............- Ya 6s ee 2.00 Notholena Californica, Eaton. Better known as N. Candida...... .50 3.00 Cheilanthes Californica, Matl. Lace fern......... a his ae BA De hee ish) aes 2.00 Cheilanthes Clevlandi, Eaton, Lip fern........+.......-- oy As tag el 3.00 Cheilanthes myriophylla, Deso......... SER ible bow Re be ek pieee 3 alee eee 3.00 Pellaea andromedae folia, Fee. A fine rock fern.......... ras ope 1.00 Pe laea Ornithopus, Hook. Tea fern. ./0.....sccccececeencccceser, «lO .75 Adiantum emarginatum, Hook.............+. BARRA esr a eM SE 2.00 Adiantum Capillus-Veneris, L. Venus-hair............+-+-.e08- ve, 1 eee 2.00 W codwardia radisans, Smith. Immense fronds, 3 to 8 feet tall! .... .60 5.00 Asplenium Trichomanes, vas. incisum, Moore. Feather fern. A mré-and’ lovely Species... .c 50 «ss saeaceciwes Soueevubehiwewees | 7 Oe 3.00 Agpidiom monitum, Kaul. 25%... :).00 sop 2s ness wipine joes ae os rolel poe 2.00 Aspidium argutum, Eaton.......c..ccce eee ceccncececercereseson +20 2.00 Aspidium aculeatum, Kaulf............6.0cccesceccceccccrscecee 260 5.00 a eed FOR CALIFORNIA. Readers who wish to know more about the mild sunset land of the Pacific Fe its rae products and wonderful resources and climate, will do well to send fifty cents for a map and 12 sample copies (worth $1.25) of the (illustrated) Pacific Rural Press, the largest and best agricultural weekly in tho West, and one of the freshest and most origini! home farm papers in the world. Established January 1, 1879. Address Paciric Rurau PrREss, 252 Market St., San Francisco. $900 000” presents given away. Send us5 cents postage, and by mail you will get freea j package of goods of large value, that will start you in work that will at once bring you in money faster than anvthing else in America. All about the $200,000 in presents with each box. Agents wanted everywhere, of either sex, of all ages, for all the time, or spare time only, to work forus at their own homes. Fortunes for all workers absolutely assured. Don’t delay. H. HALLETT & CO., Portland, Maine. : A GIF Send 10 cents postage and we will mail y u free a royal, valuable, sample box of ’ A. goocs that will put youin the way of making more money at once, than anything else in America. Both sexes of all ages can live at home and work in spare time, or all the time. Capital not required. We will start you. Immense pay sure for those who start at once. STINSON & CO., Portland, Maine. W ANTE At the Second hand Store. Highest prices paid for Furniture, Bedding, Stoves, s Crockery, Garden Implements, Carpenters’ Tools, etc. Liberal advances made on all goods sold on commission. Strictly one-price store. THEO. GULBRANDSEN. MRS. THEODOSIA B. SHEPHERD, FLORIST ANDSEEDGROWER, - - SAN BUENA VENTURA, California. Contracts taken to grow seeds and bnibs for florists. Specialties: Coben Scandens, monthly Car- nation and Smilax seed and Calla bulbs. Sea Mosses, Pressed Ferns and flowers furnished as speci- mens or souvenirs. Sendstamp for catalogue. A trade list. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 19 THE BoTANicaL GAZETTE. An illustrated monthly of 24 pages or more devoted to al] depart- ments of Botany. Contains original investigations, descriptive articles, editorial comments, and botanical news from all parts of the world. It appeals both to the specialist and to the intelligent louver of plants. Price, $2.00 a year. : Dr. J. M. CouLTEer, CRawFORDSVILLE, IND. Pror. C. R. Barnes, LAFAyETTE, IND. Pror. J. C. ARTHUR, GENEVA, N. Y. Epitors & PUBLISHERS. ———__@—_———- THE AMERICAN NATURALIST. _ A popular illustrated monthly magazine of Natural History and Travel. This journal of popular Natural Science is published by Messrs. McCalla &_ Stavely, Philadelphia, Pa., under the editorial management of Dr. A. S. Packard, Jr., and Prof. E. D. Cofie, with the assistance of eminent men of science. Each number of the Naturalist contains carefully written origina! articles on various subjects, and in addition eleven departm :nts—Recent Li erature, Geography and Travels, Geo.ogy and Paleentology, Mineralogy, Botany, Entomology, Zoology, Physiology, Psychology, Anthropology, Microscopy and Histology. ‘lhe depart- . ment of Botany is edited by Prof. C. E. Bessey. that of Microscopy is edited by Prof. C. O. Whitman, that of Mineralozy is edited by Prof. H. C. Lewis, and that of Physiology by Prof. Henry Sewall, while the department of Geography and Travels is edited by W. N. Lockington. Subscription Price $4 per year in advance. Remittances by mail should be sent by a money order, draft on Philadelphia or New York, or registered letter to McCALLA & STAVELY, 237-9 Duck Street, Phila- delphia, Pa hy . ee EXCHANGE NOTICES, ETC. NoticE:—This column will hereafter be open to offers to exchange books, instru- ments, specimens, etc. by subscribers. Right to refuse any notice reserved. Wanted—To purchase, LePrporTERA (Heterocera) from the West and South-West: Address, Dr. Chas. 8. Mc Knight, Saranac Lake, Franklin Co.. Now York. ———__@—______ The following shells will be mailed, postage paid, at 5 cents each, $5 per 100: From Europe; Helix aperta, rupestris, acuta, ericetorum, striata, trochoides, terres- tr;s, tropidophora, pulchella, carthusianella, carthusianorum, carthusiana, cantiana, uic jensis, elegans, ventricosa, cornea, neglecta, variabilis, mozambicansis, tervert, tase iolata, pustula, caperata, conspurcata, ciliata, austriana, arbustorum, aspersa, From San Diego and vicinity: Acmaea asmi, patina, persona, scabra, spectrum, astyris carinata, barbatia gradata, barleeia stbtenuis, haminea virescens, cerithidea sacrata, bythinella intermedia and binneyi, conus californicus, coecum orcutti. lasea eubra, fissurella volcano, bittium tuberculatum, donax californicus, heterodonax bt- maculatus, !itorina scutulata and planaxis, lottia gigantea. oystrea lurida, halioti cracherodii and splendens (small), septifer bifurcatus, succinea oregonensls, myurella simplex, nuttalliana scabra, nassa tegula, omphalius fuscescens, phasianella compta. American shells: Helix palliata, mitchelliana, nickliniana, striatella, monodon, leaii, arborea, alternata, septemvolva, inflecta, hirsuta, reflecta, solitaria, albolabris, profunda, clausa, labyrinthica, lineata, multilineata, pensylveniva, edvardsi. 20 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. A. SCcHNEIDER,: BO Bae oS. OO umR (ESTABLISHED 1869.) SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, Furnishes Books, Stationery and Newspapers On as favorable terms as any firm in the United States. Also Music, Musical Instruments, Faney Goods, Sil- ver-Plated Ware, Cutlery, Wall Paper, ete. W. KROFF, REAL ESTATE, LOANS AND e OOLLECTIONS. San Diego, Cal. OHN CC. DALW, DEALER IN BOOKS AND STATIONERY. San Diego, Calif, BLACK HILLS MINERALS CHEAP, Thirty 1x1 labeled, postpaid, $1 Uranite, green, yellow incrustation, very beauti- ful, 50 cents to $1. ‘“‘Bad Lands” fossils, Baculites, Scaphites, Am- monites, Belamnites, Teeth, etc. Sioux Indian Relics, Buckskin and War Imple- ments. Clear Quartz Crystals, 1 to 5inch, 10 to 65 cents. L. W. STILWELL, Deadwood, D. T. THE SAN DIEGO UNION. DAILY AND WEEKLY. DOUGLAS GUNN, - - - ——__9—__—_=_— HE UNION was established in 1868. Until 187] it was published only once a week, when the daily edition was begun. THE DAILY UNION is published every morning except Monday. THE WEEKLY UNION is published every Thursday. THE SAN DIEGO UNION is the oldest of the 41 news- papers published in Southern California. Of the 389 pepers published in the State, 297 have been started since it began publication. Tt is more than five years older than 245 of the journals of California, and more than ten years the senior of 168 of them. fIt has a larger bona fide circulation than any other newspaper published in Southern California. THE WEEKLY UNION A large, eight-page paper of fifty-six columns, circu- ates very largely abroad, as well asat home. It goes to nearly every family in the county, and its subsceri- bers “stay with it,’ It is conceded to be the best Cal- ifornia weekly published out of San Francisco. Both daily and weekly editions circulate largely through Southern California, per: New Mexico, and con- tiguous territory, It has subscribers in thirty-five of the thirty-eight States, and in six of the eight Terri- tories. in British Columbia, Canada, England, Scot- land, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the Sandwich Islands, China, Japan, and the Australian Colonies. The wide circulation, influen- tial position and representative character of the paper are undisputed. Persons wishing accurate informa- tion respecting the Southern part of California should subscribe for THE UNION. Sample copies sent on ap- plication. TERMS : THE WEEKLY UNION. THE DAILY UNION. PROPRIETOR. One Year, - -_- -- $3 00 One Year, - - - $1000 Six Months, - - - - 150|Six Months, - - - 500 Vhree Months, - - 7%} Three Months, - - 250 One Month, - - - 25!QOne Month, - - - 100 Address THE UNION, SAN DIEGO, CAL. ANTED.—Californian Coleoptera in exchange for Eastern. C.W. Leng, P.O. box 3565, N.Y. Collected to oat SEED Imported to Order ) A. WENTSCHER, GENERAL COMMISSION, Forwarding and Shipping, Cc. R. ORCUTT San Diego, Cal. Imperial German Consul. SAN DiEGo, CAL Birds’ Eggs and Botanical Specimens Collected to order by JT. Ww. PRESTON, P, O, Box 38, Baxter, Ia. Will spend the season in Northern Minnesota. Send for List of Sea Shells and Corals. CALIPFVORN LA SHELLS 22 CURIOSITIES, SEA MOSS, FERNS, ETC. E. W. FRICK «& SONS, Fifth St., between Eand F, SAN DIEGO, CAL The Botanical Atlas, A Guide to the Practical Study of Plants By D. M’Atping, F. C. 8., Lecturer on Botany, Edinburgh. Containing Representations of the Leading Forms ef Plant Life, with Practical Directions and Explanatory Text. For the use of Teachers aud Students. Divided into Cryptogams and Phanerogams, with 52 Full Colored Plates. Bound in two volumes, cloth. Price, $6.00 per volume. THE ZOOLOGICAL ATLAS, (Including Comparative Anatomy.) . M’ALPINE, F. C. S., Lecturer on Biology and Natural Histor y; Edingburgh; author of ‘*The Botanical Atlas,” etc. By D With Practical Directions and Explanatory Text for the use of Students. Containing 480 Colored Figures and Diagrams. Divided into Vertebrata and Invertebrata. Handsomely bound in cloth, with gilt edges. Two vols. Price $5.00 per vol. Sold by dealers, or THE CENTURY CO., N. Y. THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO, CAL. ———KEHNIS I This city is situated upon the northerly side of the Bay of San Diego, about seven miles from the entrance to the harbor ; latitude 32 deg. 40 m.; 480 miles southeast of San Francisco, Population about 5000—now steadily increasing. The site is one of the most picturesque and beautiful in the world. The Bay is about 15 miles long, and contains an area of more than 25 square miles. The land has an easy slope or grade for half a mile, and then rises more rapidly to an clevation of 150 to 200 feet, giving every part of the city a fine view of the Bay, the ocean, Coronada islands, Point Loma, Table mountain, and many other objects of interest and natural beauty. San Diego is 400 miles nearer New York city than San Francisco; also nearer China, Japan, Australia and the South Pacific Islands—a commercial advan. tage of great value, The city has seven churches, good schools, a public library and reading room, numerous secret orders, and places of amusement ; also gas. water, street car and telephone companies. Many costly business blocks and stately resi- cences are in process of erection or just completed, and the city is now improving more rapidly than at any previous time. The Climate.—No place on the continent can show so favorable weather ana ‘health records; No heated terms in the summer or cold spells in the winter—no waiaria. Physica! labor is here performed with the least discomfort the year round. Professor Agassiz visited San Diego in August, 1872, and then said: ‘This is one oi the favored spots of the earth, and people will come to you from all quarters to jive in your genial and healthy atmosphere.” Many have been disappointed and imposed upon by the ingenious and extravagant assertions of interested parties in favor of other places. Therefore we urge you, if inierested, tc examine the Signal Service and other reliable records. You will find that San Diego may rightfully claim the best climate to be found anywhere. Mean temperature—spring 60, sum. mer 67, fall 63, and winter 54 degrees. Health and Pleasure Resort.—Florida, Mt. Desert, and other places are good at some particular season—but San Diego, all the year round, as a summer resort, is the best in the world. All the conditions required to insure the greatest amount of recreation and benetit to the pleasure seeker, or those in declining health, are found in the City and County of San Diego—such as first-class hotels, board- ing houses, good roads and drives, hunting, fishing, sailing, sea baths, hot springs, ‘clear skies, and many other features of interest to visitors. Letters answered and ‘1formation free. Address, Immicration Association, San Diego, Cal. CONSOLIDATED NATIONAL BANK, Cor. Firru ann G Sts., San Dizgo, Carr. CAPITAL PAID UP - - - $100,000 | SURLPUS FUND . - - - $12,000 OFFICERS. DIRECTORS. 0. 8S. WITHERBY : : : President | HIRAM MABURY, WM. E. HIGH, WM. E. HIGH . z F Vice-President | GEO. A. COWLES, E. W. MORSE, BRYANT HOWARD A ‘ Cashier | 0.8. WITHERBY, JAMES McCOY, GEO. W. MARSTON . ; . Asst. Cashier’ “BRYANT HOWARD. Exchange on San Francisco, Chicago, New York, London, Paris, and other Principal Cities of Europe and America bought and svld. REAL ESTATE AGENCY O FH F.R. WETMORE & CO., SAN DIEGO, - - - ‘ CALIFORNIA. Farms at all prices and sizes from $6.50 per acre to $500 per acre ; cleared and improved ; in the choicest Valleys and on the finest Mesa (or Table Lands) of San Diego County, where the Navel Orange, Lemons, Olives, Apricots, Nectarines, Prunes, Bannanas, Pears, Mandarines, and any and all fruitand grain can be raised in greater perfection than in any other part of Southern California. City Lots and Blocks for business and residences at from $50 a lot to $1,500 a lot. We take charge of properties, pay the taxes, and insurance, ete. Correspondece solicited, which shall receive our usual prompt attention. F. R. WETMORE & CO, San Diego, Cala, Me ROA BCT eee Ne ta: Ter “ne VA Ont pa) WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. C: R. ORCUTT, Epitor AND PUBLISHER. mauprgten'®* SANDIEGO, CALIFORNIA. } “esse MOST SEASONABLE BOOKS... .... POR PHHw BPIHLD AND 'STUbY. Our books on NATURAL HISTORY are the best on the subject ever published. BOTANY. Life on the Seashore. Emerton. 1.50 Se { Say ae Naturalist’s Assistant. Kingsley. 1.60 bagiebes eer aes monrensrHier 5.990 | Naturalist’s Guide. Maynard. ora 2.00 Manual of the Mosses of North America. Methods of Microscopical Investigation. Lesquereux and James. 4.00 Whitman. Probably 2.50 Ferns of North America. Eaton. Eighty- ENTOMOLOGY. “i one colored plates. 30.00 | About Insects and How to Observe Them. Botanical Micro-Chemistry. Poulsen-Tre- ~ Ebell. $ .30 lease. 1.00 | Guide to the Study of Insects. Packard. 5,06 Botanical Collector’s Handbook. Pailey. 1.50 | Spiders; their Structure and Habits. Em- Lichens of North America. Tuckerman. 3.50 erton. 1.50 Mushrooms of North America: Falmer. 2.00 | Insects Injurious to Vegetation. Harris. 4.00 Bacteria Investigation. Dolley. 2.00 ORNITHOLOGY. GENERAL ZOOLOGY. Our Birds and their Haunts. Langille. 3.00 Handbook of Invertebrate Zoology. Brooks. 3.00 | Manual of Taxidermy. Maynard, 1.25 Our Books should be on sale at all cote mieviey bie) or will be sent postpaid, on Pisge in of Weare Send to us for a copy of the prospect hk THE STANDARD NATURAL HISTORY, =» ‘to orgs issued in 6 large octavo volumes, fully illustrated. Written by all the leading American Scient- Po IZ ASSING& COMPANY, | PUBLISHERS. 44 ARCH STREET, Boston. O to SHERRIFF’S ARCADE for the very best a KLAUBER, S. LEVI, ' portraits, made by both the wet and instanta-|} 499 Davis St., S. F. San Diego. ech nantes Pack oe and enlarging, ag bh paisa iest locket up to life size, in crayon, pas ndia in and water enlace: Babies’ eg are, by electri- KLAU BER & LEVI, : sl tie Semi-tropical California Scenery of all i a A ; cma Groceries, Hardware ricul- j aA SHE RR TEE nil ge ait. LEADING PHOTOGRAPHER, — ural imp Cor, Fifth and E Sts. San Diego, Ca). When cthers fai] try Sherriff. Cor. Fifth and H Sts. San Diego, Cal, # Entered at the Postoffice at. an Diego, U.ttor nia, as Second- Class Mail Matter, + THE Ww EST Amerie SCIENTIST Official organ % the San Diego Society of Natural History. “A hain Review 9 Record for the Pape Slope. ' - SAN DIEGO 0 COUNTY, CAL, OOM ra San Diego County is situate in the southern extremity of California—the Pacific ocean on the west, and the granil Colorado river on the east. The Coast Range - divides the County into two gran divisions, The eastern side has some good land, but is noted chiefly for its valuable mines an! minerals. The western side slopes toward the ocean, is interspersed with plains, valleys and table lands, cunning streams, timber and productive soils. It is well adapted to the diversified pursuits of agriculture, horticulture and grazing. I[t is this part of the County which is n0W, being rapidly improved. The area ot the County is equal to that of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island combined—being 14,969 square miles, Population of the County in 1880 was Su15; in 1884 it had increased to 13,000. Assessed valua- tion in 1880 was $3,525,253 ; in 1854, 38,140,000. One of the most important topographical features of the County is the Bay of San. Diego—a beautiful sheet of water more than 1d miles long, being the only land: locked harbor south of the Bay of San Francisco within American territory. The country embraced within the boundary lines of the County presents a constant succession of mountains, valleys and table lanils, giving a wide range of adaptation to industrial pursuits and the cliunatic conditions*suited to almost any possible weed or preference. : ‘ . wo transcontinental railways tray erse the County—the Atlantic & Pacitie and: the Southern Pacific. Along the Imes of these roals, and im other parts of the in. terior of the County, are many thrifty towns and settlemen‘s, which cannot here be ‘escribed or mentioned, but just such localities az mapy would like for health, profit ind a pleasant home. The whole range of farm and garden productions of every kind, raised anywhere in the United States, are ‘successtully and profitably grown here, as well as a long | list of tropical and semi- -tropical fruits—such as figs, lemons, limes, oranges: olives, bananas, and many others—all unsurpasse: in either size, quantity or yuality, Pamphlets and other descreive matter furnished free. Address, Immigration Association, San Diego, Cal. ay" om . ar . "ee 7 Pad y ~The West American Scientist. PV or. LI. San DrEao, Cair., Marcu, 1886. No. 14. GUADALUPE ISLAND, LOWER CALIFORNIA. Ten years ago ‘ This sweet lone isle amid the sea ’—I am not responsible for the application of this line—was first visited by a naturalist, in the person of Dr. Ed- ward Palmer, well known from the important botanical collections he has made in Northern Mexico and in the southern territories of the United States. There is something like a charm attaching to the animal and vegetable life of the remote islands of the great oceans, for most of them su, port plants and birds and other or- ganisms peculiar to themselves, often, however, associated with plant:, at least, of almost world-wide littoral distribution ; but the presence of the latter element is due to situation and the nature of the shores, concerning which I have something moie to say later on. Guadalupe Island is about the size of the Isle of Wight, and is in 29° north latitude, about 100 miles from the western coast of Lower California, lying in the course of the great ocean current which flows southward from Alaska. It consists of a large tableland about 3000 feet high, its volcanic rocky side being in most places too precipitous for even a goat to climb, and almost wholly barien. The plateau is interrupted by a central ridge, some points of which rise 1000 feet higher; but the tableland portion of the island is pleasant, with a considerable breadth of open grassy plain, some miles of Cypress woods, and several springs of excellent water; although there are no streams that flow after the winter rains have ceased. The climate of Guadalupe is described as colder than that of the coast regions of even the central part of California, a circumstance due to its position in the direct path of winds and currents that sweep down from the arctic regions. Fogs are ‘heavy and prevalent, especially in the higher parts of the island; yet the south is sunny and excessively hot and dry in the summer, so much so that all vegetation is in séme seasons completely scorched up. As already mentioned, it is colder than the opposite coast, especially in the northern exposures; ice an inch in thickness has > been observed in the middle of the island, and snow to the depth of 2 inches, fol- lowed by several days of cold rain. Yet in the northern extremity it keeps clear and warm, and it is warm in the lower canyons or ravines. Dr. Palmer collected 110 species of flowering plants, which are communicated by Mr. Sereno Watson in the eleventh volume of the Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Omitting a species of Heuchera, the specimen of which 22 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. was insufficient for determination, Watson classifies them in five groups, namely:—l1, introduced species, twelve ; 2, species rang.ng from the Atlantic to the Pacific States of North America, nine; 3, species found throughout California, or at least as far north as San Francisco, forty-nine ; 4, species found in Southern California, below Los Angeles,.or in Arizona, eighteen ; and, 5, species peculiar to the island, twenty- one. Last spring Mr. E. L. Greene visited the island, and he publishes the particu- lars of his week’s sojourn there, together with the botanical results, in the BULLETIN of the California Academy of Sciences, from which it appears that he collected fourteen species that were not in Dr. Palmer’s collection. Of these seven are Cali- fornian, some of them having a wider distribution; four are common European weeds, and two are described as new species ; whilst one, a seedling Arctostaphylos, is indeterminable. Guadalupe has never been inhabited, according to Greene, except very tempor- arily, by shipwrecked or seal-hunting salor., or fugitives from Mexico. But since the beginning of 1884 a small band of some forty Lower Californian soldiers has been stationed there by the Mexican Government, ‘tu prevent the wholesale slaugh- ter of the goats, of which there are many thousands still on the island, notwith- standing the fact that for some two or three years prior to 1884 many a cargo of goat skins and tallow had been taken to San Diego.’ In this, as in so many other remote islands, goats were originally introduced for the purpose of supplying food to shipwrecked or passing mariners ; and the effect in many instances has been the almost complete extirpation of the indigenious vegeta- tion. How long ago goats were first introduced into Guadalupe is uncertain, though probably towards the end of the last century. Dr. Palmer mentions them among the agents affecting the vegetation, yet without any specific account of their having proved destructive. Greene, however, specially alludes to the favorable effect on the vegetation ‘in the very best part of the island’ the small garrison has had, as the goats, in consequence of being constantly hunted, avoid the part where the soldiers encamp. From the figures given above, and the relationships of the endemic species, it is evident that the flora of Guadalupe Island is essentially Californian, as distinguish- ed from the Mexican flora, to whica belonzs the vegetation of the incervening penin- sula of Lower California. Respecting the plants which by their abundance or prominence gave character to vegetation, Palmer says:—‘‘The ‘Sage brush’ and ‘orease-woods’ of the Basin [the ‘Great Basin’ of Culifornia] are represented by an Artemisia and an Atriplex, which share with a Franseri. in covering large tracts, and in protecting the soil and the smaller animals from the winds and sun. ‘Trees are numerous over much of the island, chiefly coniferous: a pine, a juniper, and a cypress, and a small oak. To these is to be added the palm, which is frequent in the southern canyons, growing to a height of 40 feet.” Among introduced plants Erodium cicutarium was more abundant than any other plan: in the island, being found everywhere. The herbaceous and shrubby endemic plants belong to genera represented in California, or exclusively Californian and eastward of it, and the species are more closely allied to those of the Californian regiou. The pine isa THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 23 _ two-leaved variety of Pinus insignis; the cypress, Watson describes as a new species (Cupressus guadalupensis), but it is very closely allied to the beautiful Californian C. mac.ocarpa; and the juniper is referred to Juniperus californica. The oak (Quercus tomentilla, Engelmann ) is endemic, and allied to the common Californian Q. chrysole sis; and the endemic palm (Erythrea ende is) is represented on the mainland by a second species discovered in the Cantillas canyon, Lower California. It is interesting to compare Mr. Greene’s observations on the various elements of the vegetation ten years later than Dr. Palmer, especially in relation to the very rapid disappearance of some of the endemic species and other formerly prominent indigenous ones. Palmer found the cypress in irregular groups in the middle of the island, apparently common enough; now it is already becoming rarer, and Greene says he cannot guess at the cause of its destruction. It would seem, however, that the existing trees have mostly reached the limit of their age, and the species is dis- appearing because the numerous goats prevent seedlings from growing up and re- placing the older generations. Formerly, Greene supposes, it must have occupied almost the eutire plateau of the northern half of the island; but now upon the greater part of this tract only the fallen decaying trunks remain. Itis a pity so noble a tree should die out. It has the conical-shaped head of C. macrocarpa, as it grows in this country, not as it grows in its home, where its habit is cedar-like, and reaches a height of 50 feet, with a trunk sometimes as much as 25 feet in circum- ference. The Juniper in Palmer’s time wasall over the middle of the island and occas- ional at the south end, in the ravines and valleys, forming groves about 15 feet high. Now, we are informed, it is on the verge of extinction—‘ in the middle of the island only three trees that were not quite dead; and on these three only a few tufts of green twigs gave the feeble sign of exhausted vi'ality. Only on a south-eastern cliff, hanging over the sea, did I find a tree vigorous enough to be bearing some well-formed fruit.’ _ The pine still exists in groves of considerable extent on the high narrow ridge forming the north-eastern extremity of the island ; but the handsome oak, a spread- ing tree 50 feet high, has dwindled down to about half-a-dozen individuals; whereas Palmer states that it was frequent at the north end and occasional in the canyons on both sides of the island. Concerning the palm Greene is silent. On the ascent from the narrow beach to the plateau t1e most consp'cuous plants at the time of his visit were Senecio Palmeri, a handsome shrub, 3 or 4 feet high, Spheralcea sul- phurea, Hosackia ornithopus, and Convolvulus macrostegius, all endemic species, associated with the Californian Brodiza capitata, which was also exceedingly com- mon on the tableland itself. The very widely spread littoral element alluded to at the beginning of this sketch is wanting on the shores of Guadalupe ; whether this is wholly due to the nature of the coast, or partly due to the direction from which the oceanic currents come that touch, the island, is not clear from the information available. In the Botany of the “‘ Challanyer” Expedition I have brought together all the trustworthy evidence I _ could find bearing upon the dispersal of seeds and plants by oceanic currents, &c., and I have there pointed out that many of the plants thus conveyed are not exclu- 24 : THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. sively littoral, but actually grow and thrive equally well inland. More evidence is wanted on this subject, and that is my reason for mentioning it here; but there can be no doubt that the sea has played a most important part in covering the distant coral islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans with vegetation, thereby rendering them inhabitable. _In conclusiou, 1 may, perhaps, be permitted to repeat a curious fact concerning the Cocoa-nut, recorded in Mr. O. H. Forbes’ book on the Malayan Islands. It is very well known how widely the Cocoa-nut Palm is dispersed on tropical sea-shores, both insular and continental ; and the question has often been discussed how far oceanic currents have been instrumental in effecting this wide distribution. Some writers maintain that it is mainly, if not entirely, dueto human agency; and one argument employed against oceanic agency was that the Cocoa-nut would not germ- inate unless buried. This is very lkely correct, as to bare ground, at all events; but, as I have stated elsewhere, the waves often bury the objects they cast ashore; and Mr. Forbes observed that the burrowing crabs, so numerous in the Keeling and other islands, sometimes perform the operation when burrowing very near the sur- face.—W. Botting Hensley, in the ‘Gardners’ Chronicle,’ Nov. 14, 1885. Se eenseinEnEERnEREREEE, - AERO CORRESPONDENCE. Own Patms.—I have a small plant of Erythea edulis growing and it promises to be hardy here, as during the unprecedented cold weather of January, the like of which has not been experienced by the oldest residents, only the blades were brown- ed and the petioles remained uninjured. I understand also that severe cold and ice: is sometimes seen at (suadalupe Island, its native place. Erythea armata looks to me like Brahea glauca which I have tried here ep eae without success, as our soil or climate does not seem favorable to it. ‘a * * * During our late freeze when mercury fell 20° and scarcely rose above freezing point at noon for several days, Washingtonia filifera was scarcely atfected, but W.- robusta was browned in the blade and the interio: structure of the petioles suffeed more or less, provinz the greater susceptibility of the latter to extreme temperature, and indicating a more tropical habitat. The po nts of the segments are quite deeply bifid in W. filifera and slit down but little in W. robusta. None of my specimens of robusta were destroyed however and all are coming on well. I may add that I -rge specim ‘ns of Latania borborica come out with no other injury beyond the browning of the bla les, but Corypha australis suffered more. Phenix dactylifera lost their 1 aves but the buds are still alive and growing. . Sabal palmetto and the cifferent varieties of Chamaerops were not affected in the slightest degree. In the January number of the ‘ Rural Californian’ it mentions that G. D. Comp- ton had r2turned from a trip through San Gorgonia pass, and visited the palm. trees on the east sile of the mountain. ‘Tey are supposed to be a different species from W. filifera and it is stated that the Indians live upon the fruit a part of the year. I once had a small specimen of a new species of Chamaerops from Lower Ca ifornia grown by a northern nurseryman, which exactly resembled C. exeelsa. Unfortu- 4 a, THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 25 nately it was eaten into and destroyed by a burrowing rodent. Hope that in time you will be able to clear up the uncertainty that exists in our knowledge of the Californian palms. Yours truly, E. H. H. Federal Point, Fla., Feb. 25th, 1886. [We take the liberty of publishing the above extracts from a very interesting private letter. The reference to several Californian palms that are very imperfectly known is suggestive of the work that shcu « be done. Brahea g auca is generally known as a seedsmen’s name for Erythea armata.—ED. ] ‘Hac-Fisn’ WantED —I am very anxious to obtain some specimens of Myxine, ~ commonly known as the ‘ Hag-fish,’ which I understand is quite common on the California coast. I wish them preserved in a special manner according to the ac- companying directions. Hoping that you will be successful in obtaining the animals, J remain most truly yours, BENJ. SHARP. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila., Feb. 7. [Any one who can obtain specimens of the hag-fish, which’has never been re- ported from San Diego, but is common further north, would confer a double favor by addressing the editor for directions, or by writing directly to Prof. Sharp.—Ep. ] SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. Marcu 5, 1886.—Present, 7 members and 5 visitors. Reports of Commitees:— Rosa Smith, 02 seal, reporting that a seal had been ordered for the society. Dona- tions :—W. W. Stewart, skull and vertebre of Dolphinus bairdii—Bairds’ dolphin; John D. Hoff, photograph of ancient pottery of Arizona and New Mexico. Publica- tions received :—Journal of th: Trenton natural history socie:y ; Random notes on natural history ; Tenth census of the U. S,, vol. xiii, 1883; On the fauna of the lower devonian of the Ural mountain:. Communications :—Rosa Smith, on a new species of sting ray, from Todos Santos bay, Lower California ; also on phosphores- cense observed on damp earth, the origin of which was unknown. Elections :— Frank E. Blaisdell, and A. Barnett, as active members. ———_—_o—_———— EDITOR’S NOTES. On time again! This number issued by the 15th. The San Diego society of natural history is planning a course of lectures in be- half of its building fund. San Diego was favorel with a hail-storm on the morning of the 3d. The rate for advertisements in this journal will hereafter be $10.00 per page for single insertion. Twenty per cent. discount will be allowed on continued advertise- ment: and twenty per cent. additional for any fixed position. No objec.iouable advertisem n+ will be inserted. Tenths of a page ia proportion. —_———__————"_ SAN DIEGO,’ climate, productions, resources, topography, ete. 8vo. 40 pp. with map. Fourth edition—revised. Price 25 cents. C. R. Orcurr, San Diego, Calit. ‘ % 26 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. FOR EVERY HOME. THE YouruH’s CoMPANION was the delight of our childhood, and has been for yeas the weekly treasure of our children. It is the best child’s paper we have ever see. We say this a lvisedly, after having tried the various high-priced magazines for chi'dren. The variety, beauty, and entertaintment of the articles that appear in the YourH’s CoMPANION excite our constant wonder and delight. In our home the day of its arrival is known as ‘‘ Youth’s Companion day,” and the only bad effect we have ever known to arise from its coming is that all the chil- dren, and the older folks too, for that matter, want it at the same time. The pub- lishers are out with a new announcement showing increased attractions for the new year. If $1.75 is sent now, it will pay for the Companion io January, 1887. WANTED. Manuscripts and Autograph Letters of distinguished people. Ancient and Mod- ern Curious Manuscript, relics or books. Pay cash. Wr te what you have toC. F. Gunther, 78 Madison St., Chicago. CHARLES RUSSELL ORCUTT IFE MEMBER of the San Diego society of natural history, etc., naaise in seeds, bulbs, plants, shells, curios, books, periodicals and natural history specimens. Publisher of The West Ameri- can Scientist. SAN DiIEcO, CALIFORNIA, United States of America. se s THE SOUTHERN GEOLOGIST, Devoted to Mineralogy, Geology, and Archaeology. All the latest news in every issue. Subscription, 50c. per year, 5 cents per copy. Send for advertlsing rates. J. M. MURKIN, Jr. Nashville, Tenn. HEL for working people. Send 10 cents postage and we will mail vou free, a royal, valuable sample box of goods that will put you in the way of making more) money in a few days than you ever thought possible at any business. Capital not required. You can live at home and work in spare time only, or allthe time. A'l of both sexes, of all ages grandly successful. 50 cents to $5 easily earned every evening. That all who want work “may test the business, we make this unpaaralleled offer. To all who are not well satisfied we.will send $1 to pay for the trouble of writ- ing us. Full particulars, directions, etc., sent free. Immense pay absolutely sure for all ;who start at once. Don’t delay. Address STINSON & CO., Portland, Maine. WIN more money than at anythin else by taking an agency for the best selling bookout. Be- ginners succeed grandly. None fail. Termsfree. HALLETT BOOK CO., Portland, Maine. A PRIZE. Send six cents for postage aud receive free, a costly box of goods which will help you to more money right away than anything else in this world. All, of either sex, succeed from the first hour. The broad road to fortuue opens before the workers, ‘absolutely sure. At once address, TRUE & CO., Augusta, Maine. 200 000” presents given away. Send us5 cents postage, and by mail you will eet freea package of goods of large value, that will start you in work that will at once bring you in money faster than anything else in America. All about the $200,000 in presents with each box. Agents wanted everywhere, of either sex, of all ages, for all the time, or spare time only, to work for us at their own homes. Fortunes for all workers absolutely assured. Don’t delay. H. - HALLETT & CO., Portland, Maine. A GIFT - Send 10 cents postage and we will mail y ufree a royal, valuable, sample box of goocs that will put youin the way of making more money at once, than anytning else in America. Both sexes of all ages can live at home and work in spare time, or all the time. yea not required. We will start you. Immense pay sure for those who start at once. STINSON & CO., Portland, Maine. W ANTED. At the Second hand Store. Highest prices paid for Furniture, Bedding, Stoves, Crockery, Garden Implements, Carpenters’ Tools, etc. Liberal advances made on all goods : sold on commission. Strietly one-price store. THEO. GULBRANDSEN. MRS. THEODOSIA B. SHEPHERD, , FLORIST AND SEED GROWER. - - SAN BUENA VENTURA, California. Contracts taken to grow seeds and bnibs for florists. Specialties: Coben Scandens, monthly Car- nation and Smilax see’ and Calla bulbs. Sea Mosses, Pressed Ferns and flowers furnished as speci- mens or souvenirs. Sendstamp for catalogue. A trade list. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 27 THE BoTaANnicaL GAZETTE. _ An illustrated monthly of 24 pages or more devoted to al) depart- ments of Botany. Contains original investigations, descriptive articles, editorial comments, and botanical news from all parts of the world. It appeals both to the specialist and to the intelligent lover of plants. Price, $2.00 a year. Dr. J. M. CouLTER, CRAWFORDSVILLE, IND. Pror. C. R. Barnes, LaFayette, Inp. Pror. J. C. ARTHUR, GENEVA, N. Y. Epitors & PUBLISHERS. —- THE AMERICAN NATURALIST. A popular illustrated monthly magazine of Natural History. and Travel. This journal of popular Natural Science is published by Messrs. McCalla & Stavely, Philadelphia, Pa., under the editorial management of Dr. A. S. Packard, Jr., and Prof. E. D. Cope, with the assistance of eminent men of science. Each number of the Naturalist contains carefully written origina! articles on various subjects, and in addition eleven departm -nts—Recent Li erature, Geography and Travels, Geo.ogy and Palzontology, Mineralogy, Botany, Eutomology, Zoology, Physiology, Psychology, Anthropology, Microscopy and Histology. The depart- ment of Botany is edited by Prof. C. E. Bessey. that of Microscopy is edited by Prof. C. O. Whitman, that of Mineralozy is edited by Prof. H. C. Lewis, and that of Physiology by Prof. Henry Sewall, while the department of Geography and Travels is edited by W. N. Lockington. Sub:cription Price $4 per year in advance. Renuttances by mail should be sent by a money order, draft on Philadelphia or New York. or registered letter to McCALLA & STAVELY, 237-9 Duck Street, Phila- delphia, Pa vere oe fh eee EXCHANGE NOTICES, ETC. Notice:—This column will hereafter be open to offers to exchange books, instru- ments, specimens, etc. by subscribers. Right to refuse any notice reserved. Wanted—To purchase, Leprporrrera (Heterocera) from the West and South-West: Address, Dr. Chas. 8. Me Knight, Saranac Lake, Franklin Co.. Naw York. —_—_—__@—____. The following shells will be mailed, postage paid, at 5 cents each, $5 per 100: From Europe; Helix aperta, rupestris, acuta, ericetorum, striata, trochoides, terres tr;s, tropidophora, pulchella, carthusianella, carthusianorum, carthusiana, cantians. uic jensis, elegans, ventricosa, cornea, neglecta, variabilis, mozambicansis, terver?. tase 1olata, pustula, caperata, conspurcata, ciliata, austriana, arbustorum, aspersa. From San Diego and vicinity: Acmaea asmi, patina, persona, scabra, spectrum. astyris carinata, barbatia gradata, barleeia stbtenuis, haminea virescens, cerithiiex sacrata, bythinella intermedia and binneyi, conus californicus, coecum orcutti, lasea oubra, fissurella volcano, bittium tuberculatum, donax californicus, heterodonax bi- maculatus, ‘itorina scutulata and planaxis, lottia gigantea. oystrea lurida, haliotis eracherodii and splendens (small), septifer bifurcatus, succinea oregonensis, myu rells simplex, nuttalliana scabra, nassa tegula, omphalius fuscescens, phasianella compta. American shells: Helix palliata, mitchelliana, nickliniana, striatella, monodon, leaii, arborea, alternata, septemvolva, inflecta, hirsuta, reflecta, solitaria, albolabris, profunda, clausa, labyrinthica, lineata, multilineata, pensylveniva, edvardsi. 28 . A. SCHaNBIDER, aa SD Te re LO) Ee Bay (ESTABLISHED 1869.) SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, Furnishes Books, Stationery and Newspapers On as favorable terms as any firm in the United States. Also Music, Musical Instruments, Fancy Goods, Sil- ver-Plated Ware, Cutlery, Wall Paper, etc. W. KROFF, REAL ESTATE, LOANS AND . COLLECTIONS. San Diego, Cal. OHN CC. DALY, DEALER IN BOOKS AND STATIONERY. | San Diego, Calif. BLACK HILLS MINERALS CHEAP. Thirty 1x1 labeled, postpaid, #1. Uranite, green, yellow incrustation, very beauti- ful, 50 cents to $1. “Bad Lands” fossils, Baculites, Scaphites, Am- monites, Belamnites, Teeth, etc. Sioux Indian Relics, Buckskin and War Imple- ments. , Clear Quartz Crystals, 1 to 5 inch, 10 to 65 cents. L. W. STILWELL, Deadwood, D. T. THE SAN DIEGO UNION. DAILY AND WEEKLY. DOUGLAS GUNN, - - - | SERS SA ae THE UNION was established in 1868.. Until 1871 it was published only once a week, when the daily edition was begun. THE DAILY UNION is published every morning except Monday. THE WEEKLY UNION is published every Thursday. THE SAN DIEGO UNION is the oldest of the 41 news- papers published in Southern California. Of the 389 pepers published in the State, 297 have been started since it began publication. It is more than five years older than 245 of the journals of California, and more than ten years the senior of 168 of them. {It has a larger bona fide circulation than any other newspaper published in Southern California. THE WEEKLY UNION A large, eight-page paper of fifty-six columns, circu- ates very largely abroad, as well as at home. Tt goes to nearly every family in the county, and its subscri- bers “stay with it,’ It is conceded to be the best Cal- ifornia weekly published out of San Francisco. Both daily and, weekly editions circulate largely through Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and con- tiguous territory. It has subscribers in thirty-five of the thirty-eight States, and in six of the eight Terri- tories. in British Columbia, Canada, England, Scot- land, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Ltaly, Spain, the Sandwich Islands, China, Japan, and the Australian Colonies. The wide circulation, influen- tial position and representative character of the paper are undisputed. Persons wishing accurate informa- tion respecting the Southern part of California should subscribe for THE UNION. Sample copies sent on ap- plication. TERMS : THE WEEKLY UNION. THE DAILY UNION. PROPRIETOR. One Year, - - - - $300]One Year, - - - $1000 Six Months, - - - - 150|)Six Months, - - - 500 Three Months, - - - 75| Three Months, - - 2 50 One Month,: - - - 25!QOne Month, - - - 100 Address THE UNION, SAn DIEGO, CAL. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. - ANTED.—Californian Coleoptera in exchange for Eastern. SE EDS Imported to Order} San Diego. Cal. A. WENTSCHER, GENERAL COMMISSION, Forwarding and Shipping. C. W. Leng, P. O. box 3565, N.Y. Imperial German Consul. SAN DieGo, CAL Birds’ Eggs and Botanical Specimens Collected to order by J. W. PRESTOW, P.O. Box 38, Will spend the season in Northern Minnesota. Send for List of Sea Shells and Corals. CALIFORNIA SHELLS & CURIOSITIES, SEA MOSS, FERNS, ETC. E. W. FRICK & SONS, Fifth St., between Eand F, SAN DIEGO, CAL The Botanical Atlas, : A Guide to the Practical Study of Plants By D. M’Atrins, F. C. S., Lecturer on Botany, Edinburgh. Containing Representations of the Leading Forms of Plant Life, with Practical Directions and Explanatory Text. For the use of Teachers aud Students. Divided into Cryptogams and Phanerogams, with 52 Full Colored Plates. Bound in two volumes, cloth. Price, $6.00 per volume. THE ZOOLOGICAL ATLAS, (Including Comparative Anatomy.) By D. M’ALPINE, F. C. S., Lecturer on Biology and Natural History, Edingburgh; author of ‘‘The Botanical Atlas,’’ etc. With Practical Directions and Explanatory Text for the use of Students. Containing 480 Colored. Figures and Diagrams. Divided into Vertebrata and Invertebrata. Collected to Order) C. R. ORCUTT Baxter, Ia. ‘ Handsomely bound in cloth, with gilt edges. ‘ Two vols. Price $5.00 per vol. Sold by dealers, or THE CENTURY CO., N. Y. orn | 1 OF SAN roe r y > 4 eae J - bE, CAL, . es from i entrance: to ney harbor 5 See 32 deg. 40 m.; 480 miles 1 pide of the Bay of San. ‘Diego, about aay of Sa a Fr rey a Population : ut 5000— now atbadily i increasing. The site is one of the most picturesque and beautfful in the s Weel. The Bay is about. 1B ete miles long, and contains an area of more than 25 square miles. ‘The land has an oe Pb a or gra for Fone mile,’a dt en set : vore I pidly ‘a an me aS ee 150 ny giving every t of the ¢ S e Bay, thelvcein, Con ther Aue of interest ae reed ney Sau Diego is ane miles nearer er York ive thab San Francisco ; also. . The city has seven churches, gooil, schools, a public library i aes og: room, “numerous: secret orders, and plaees of “amusement ; also gas water, --. street car and telephone companies Many costly busines s bloeks and stately resi- : ices a are in process of erection or just vehi digest and ae city is pow ApEgINg ore: ie than at any prev 10s time. a records No heatect terms, in the summer or cold otiag in the wivter—no ch “s Praalit labor 1s here pertor med with the least discomtort the year round. “Agassiz visited San Diego tn August, 1872, and then said: ‘This is one ‘favored spots of thé earth, and people will come to you from all quarters to . your genial! and bealthy. atmosphere.” Many have been ‘disappointed and “upon, by the ingenious and extravag ‘it asse'tions of interested parties in { other places. Theretore we urge you, Yf inierested, te examine the Signal hee and other reliable records You wall tind that San Diego may rightfully i one best aaa to be tound rarer Mean temperature—spring 60, sum. at athe rg season-——-bu! Su Diego. all the year eet as a Summer shad ‘best in the world. All the condition > sere to insure the greatest e found i in i thle City and County of Bua icc dali as first-class hotels, parka: Z houses good reads and sili, wea fi sins eieimink sea baths, hot springs, Lavbers ettred Ae cs eit a Pe Address, © InMIGRATION ASSOCIALION, ee Diego, Cal. CONSOLIDATED NATIONAL BANK,» Cor. Firra AND G Srs., San Diego, Catir, CAPITAL PAID UP - - -. $100,160|SURLPUS FUND - -- - -. $12,000” oak omghone mak bg ile 0. S. WITHERBY ©. , ‘ President | HIRAM MABURY, WM, E. HIG WM. E. HIGH . { . _ Vice- President | GEO. A. COWLES, E. W. MORSE, | BRYANT HOWARD © ie ; Cashier | 0.8. WITHERBY JAMES McCOY,!” GEO. W. MARSTON . f ping ey Cashier i Tarai HOWARD. ieee on ‘San siapinpi Chicago, New York. London, Patis, and other Principal bial of | Europe and America be tught and | sold... F.R WETMORE & CO, SANDIEGO, - §- -. - GALIFORNIA. Farms at all pricés and sizes eae $6.50 per acre to $500 per acre ; cleared and improved ; in the choicest Valleys and on the finest Mesa (or Table Lands) of San. Diego County, where the Navel. Orange, Lemons, Olives, Apricots, Nectarines, Prunes, Bannanas, Pears, Mandarines,’ and any and all fruitand grain can be raised in greater perfection than in any other part of | Southern California. City aes and Blocks for business and residences at from. $50 a lot to $I, 500 a lot. We take charge of properties, pay the taxes, and Insurance, ote. Correspondece — solicited, which cba receive our Atti pone 3 attention. F. R. WETMORE & CO, ~° San Diego, Cala, i "APRIL, aes: C. R. pct at Bayh AND PUBLISHER. sachet 4 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. | sm=teszas= y BOTANY. ee “The Microscoye i in Botany. Eehrens-Her- 5.00 Manual of the Mosses of North America, Lesquereux and James. 4.00 - Ferns of North America. Eaton. Eighty- __ one colored plates. 30.00 ical Micro- Chemistry. Poulsen-Tre- , se 1.00 nical Collector’ s Handbook. Bailey. 1.50 Lichens of North America. Tuckerman. 3.50 hrooms of North America. Palmer. 2.00 ria Investigation. Dolley. 2.00 r GENERAL ZOOLOGY. ihook of Invertebrate Zoology. Brooks. 3.00 neous plates. ter colors. th. SHERRIFF. LEADING PHOTOCRAPHER, _ Fifth and E Sts. Hy har others fail try Sherriff. San Diego, Ca) Life on the Seashore. Naturalist’s Assistant. Naturalist’s Guide. MOST SSEASONABLE BOOKS FOR THE FIELD AND STUDY. Our books on NA TURAL HISTORY are the best on the subject ever published. Enserton. Maynard. Kingsley. Methods of Microscopical Investigation. * Whitman. Probably | ENTOMOLOGY. About Insects and How to Observe Them. khkell. Guide to the Study of Insects. Spiders; their Structure and Habits. erton. Tnsects Inj furious to Vegetation, Our Birds and their Haunts. Manual of Taxidermy. Maynard. Copying and enlarging, from the tin- ocket up to life size, in crayon, pastel, India ink Babies’ pictures taken by electri- Also, Semi-tropical anton Scenery of all ORNITHOLOGY. 122 Davis St., S. F. KLAUBER & LEVI, Packard A Em- Haxril. _Langille. ur Books should be on sale at all Bookstores, or will be sent postpaid, on ‘receipt of price. THE STANDARD NATURAL HISTORY, ssued in 6 large octavo volumes, fully illustrated. Written by all the leading American Scient- > E. CASSINO & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. Ad ARCH STREET, BOSTON. to SHERRIFF’S ARCADE for the very best), gp AUBER, S. LEVI, _ portraits, made by both the wet and instanta- San Diego. Groceries, Hardware, Agricul- tural Implements. ‘ICor. Fifth and H Sts. San Diego, Cal, ~ ~ & Entered at the Postoffice at San Diego, C.ifornia, as Second-Class Mail Matter, — THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST Official organ of the San Diego Society of Natural History. A Popular Review and Record for the Pacific Slope. SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CAL, —0503 oo ——_ San Diego County is situate in the southern extremity of California—the Pacific ocean on the west, and the grand Colorado river on the east. The Coast Range divides the County into two grand divisions, The easternside has some good land, but is noted chiefly for its valuable mines ant minerals. The western side slopes toward the ocean, is interspersed with plains, valleys and table lands, running streams, timber and productive soils. It is well adapted to the diversified pursuit= of agriculture, horticulture and grazing. It is this part of the County which is now being rapidly improved. The area of the County is equal to that of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island combined—beiny 14,969 square miles. Population o1- the County in 1880 was 8018; in 1884 it had increased to 13,000. Assessed valua- tion in 1880 was $3,525,253 ; in 1884, $8, 140,000. One of the most important topographical features of the County is the Bay of San Diego—a beautiful sheet of water more than 15 miles long, being the only land- locked harbor south of the Bay of San Francisco within American territory. The country embraced within the boundary lines of the County presents a constant succession of mountains, valleys and table lands, giving a wide range of adaptation to industria] pursuits and the climatic conditions suited to almost any possih!- eed or preference. . wo transcontinental railways traverse the County—the Atlantic & Pacitic ‘and the Southern Pacific. Along the lines of these roads, and iu other parts of the in_ terior of the County, are many thrifty towns and settlements, which cannot here be ‘escribed or mentioned, but just such localities as many would like for health, protit ind a pleasant home. The whole range of farm and garden productions of every kind, raised anywhere ia the United States, are successfully and profitably grown here, as well as a long list™ of tropical and semi-tropical fruits—such as figs, lemons, limes, oranges: olives, bananas, and many others—all unsurpasse:l in either size, quantity or quality, Pamphlets and other deser*sive matter furnished free. Address, Immigration Association, San Diego, Cal. A. ' Reem _ : 4) (ag ‘* A a ved ae, * b, ~The West American Scientist. . O % 3 é . x Revou: 11. San Disco, Cauir., APRIL, 1886. No. 15. MOLLUSKS OF SAN DIEGO.—II. [Continued from page 4.] My: i t Cerostoma nuttalli, Conrad, is distinguished from the preceding shell by the — oe absence of the wing-like varices. It is abundant on the recky beaches, some of the es, pure white or banded varieties being quite pretty. a es a Muricidea barbarensis, of Gabb, is quite rare. One large and old specimen has ‘athe been found at Pt. Loma, inhabited by a hermit crab, which was seven-eighths of -aninch long. Muricidea incisa, Brod., is easily distinguished by the dark brown or ; black bands which are very prominent in the beach worm specimens that are occas- ionally washed ashore. This species is some times found living near low-water mark. ' . ‘so - Pteronotus festivus, Hinds, found abundant among small, angular bouldersin __ sheltered places, is distinguishable from Murex trialatus by the characteristic re- ‘ie ah curving of the wing-like expansions of the shell. In some old specimens these are fi worn off when it is more difficult to identify and might be mistaken for Cerostoma vi ~— muttallii but for its slenderer appearance. __-—s-' The Ocinebras are mainly small, stout shells. A single specimen only of Ocine- bra subangulata, of Stearns, is known from San Diego, a beautifully colored indi- fi ___ vidual of this species having been found on kelp in 1883, which is now in the 4.5 hy, ‘museum of the Philadelphia Academy of Science. Nuttall’s Ocinebra poulsonii is y *q . is ae somewhat larger and of duller colors, being dingy white marked by revolving black ¢ BY -_ Tines. The shell grows to a length of nearly two inches, and is found abundantly +e _ with pteronotus. aoe --- Ocinebra circumtexta, Stearns, of which only a few young specimens have been . < collected at San Diego, approaches the purpuras in general appearance. The shells sf ae referred to in Proceedings U. S. Nat. Mus., VIII, 535, under the name ‘ interli- we ol Ok rata,’ belong to this. * Bae: Ocinebra interfossa, and gracillima, are small shells and abundant under stones me Me partially imbedded in shell sand. 0. interfossa is distinguished by a coarse net-like - sculpturing, and is smaller and less abundant than gracillima. yo Bes One of the most common shells on this coast is Purpura saxicola, the ‘rock purple,’ which derives its generic name from the fact that the ancient Tyrians ob. ‘tained a purple dye from the bodies of a similar species. It is less than an inch a Hy Wt . . a hd P y can 8 and possesses a short spire, flattened columella, thin outer lips, short canal and yh : be a ° ° : eS ois tr. sae 30 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. a small umbilicus. The inside is reddish brown, while the outside varies much in both form and color. It is not known on our San Diego beaches, bus is found abundant on rocks near high water mark just south of the U. S. boundary, and is common northward. Purpura biserialis, Blainv., is an extra-limital species of which a single large and fine living specimen was found on the ocean beach near La Hoya, making San Diego the most northern locality known for this tropical shell. Monoceros lugubre, Sby., is a stout representative of a genus peculiar to the Pacific coast which is found abundant on the rocky beaches :outh of the U. S., but rarely found at San Diego. The shell is about an inch long, of a rich chocolate color (rarely light yellow or white) and is broader and larger than our other species, The genus receives its generic name from a little horn near the base of the outer lip, on account of which it is sometimes called the horn sheil. M. engonatum, Conr., is a more elongated and smaller shell with a white mouth. The outside is marked with spiral grooves, which with the lines of growth break up the outer covering or epidermis into little brown blocks with ‘‘ streets ” of olivaceous green between. Blainville’s var. spiratum is larger, more angular and less regularly marked off into blocks. M. pauciliratum, Stearns, on the other hand is more reg- ularly marked off into squares, is less elongated and smaller, All these shells are very thick and strong, as is usual with shore shells where there is danger of being dashed against the rocks. They all also possess about seven teeth on the outer lip. Chorus belcheri, Hinds, formerly abun iant at San Diego (during the early whale fisheries), forms the last representative of the murex family found on our coast. It is a huge shell, four to six inches long, light brown color, with a long canal, and easily distinguisied by its tapering spire, bristling wijh a crown of long, sharp points. Now rareat San Diego but common further south; large numbers of the dead shells of this and the following species, with Siphonalia kellettii, being washed ashore frequently on Todos Santos bay Lower California. The second family i. the class under co.asideration is the Triton family, of which Ranella Californica is our only shell which can claim tv bea member. The frog shell (as it is sometimes cailed) is a solid, light-colored shell with two heavy folds on opposite sides, lar e canal and spire of about four whorls. Edge of the aperture crenulated. Length, three to six inches. Not rare; preys on sand urchins (Hchina- rachnius), renillas and other marine animals, bullas, etc. [To be continued. | Pe rh ee In the Gurrah mode of watering plants in India, a common water-pot styled codum is used. The pot has a small mouth and a small hole is knocked into the bottom and the pot is then buried to a depth of one-third its size as near the stem of the plant as possible, and kept constantly fillel with water which very gradually oozes into the soil through the minute opening at the bottom without causing waste by spilling or evaporation. The method is used with great success. Saree The Indian farmers on Pyramid Lake, Nevada, thresh their wheat by hand and winaow it in baskets just as the Egyptians did three thousand years ago. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. dl SAN FRANCISCO MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. The current issues of the principal scientific periodicals were added to the files, and William Norris donated a pamphlet, by Warren and Chase, descriptive of over twenty new and rare diatoms, and containing photographic illustrations of the same. Honorary membership was conferred upon Dr. Henry Ferrer of this city. Dr. F. Riehl of Alameda was elected a resident member. ‘Lhe committee having in charge the preparation of a revised edition of the Society’s constitution was instructed to proceed with the printing thereof. A slide of Spirogyra crassa, in fruit, was handed in by Mr. Breckenfeld, who stated that Dr. Cooke, in his recently-published work on Fresh-water Algae, gave .16 mm. as the largest recorded diameter of the filaments of this interesting s, ecies —the largest of its genus. But in the slide under consideration, careful measure- ments showed the average diameter of the filaments to be 1-150 of an inch (equal to .17 mm.), while in many cases the diameter exceeded .18 mm. ‘The California variety was therefore the largest in the world, owing probably to ‘our glorious cli- mate.’ The plant was found growing in a ditch near Napa. Under a Spencer dry, 4-inch objective, of 115° angle, were shown specimens of the exquisite diatom, Cestodiscus superbus, and also the striae, or marking on the valves of No. 18, on Moller’s ‘ Probe-Platte’ of diatoms, mounted in phosphorus. The latter diatom was also shown. The ‘Improved Beck Microscope Lamp,’ just received by Dr. Selfridge, was ‘exhibited by him to the members present. A number of objects were splendidly shown by Dr. Stallard. A. H. BRECKENFELD, Rec. Sec’y. ig Ue ree A new theory of the formation of coal has been propounded by Mons. L. Breton, who considers it to have been produced by the sinking of floating islands like those which now occur on many lakes and rivers, and which are especially noticeable on the Upper Nile. The turf of which these islands are chiefly com- posed becomes fossilized at the bottom of the water. The common perfumes used in confectionery and cordials have been investigated . by two French chemists. Large quantities of these chemicals proved poisonous to animals, but it is doubtful whether the quantities actually employed by the con- fectioners or liquor manufacturers are considerable enough to do harm. Not a single instance of color-blindness has been found by Schwarzbach in an examination of 2000 Hottentots, Malays, Melanesians, Australians, Mao.is and Polynesians; and he concludes that the defect is confined to the white race, aud is due to influences connected with civilized life. The beautiful red plumage of a South African species of birds has been chem- ically examined and found to be due to copper. When the birds are kept from food containing copper they entirely lose the tint produced by that mineral. 32 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. EDITOR’S NOTES. Subscribers will be notified when their subscriptions to this journal expire. A leather cannon was proved in Edinburg in 1778, fired three times and pro- nounced good, The article on the mollusks of San Diego was crowded out of the February and March numbers. This number is priated before the usual time, so that we have nothing to report of societies for April. ' The subject of cremation is being agitated by some of the members of the San ~ Diego Society of Natural History. We acknowledge a very interesting paper received from Eiward Morren on the ‘ Sensibility and Motion of Plants.’ The competition of prison labor with free labor has been widely discussed of late, but the competition is not thought to have any material effect on free labor. Paper barometers can be made by soaking paper in a solution of chloride of cobalt. It becomes hygroscopic, and if exposed to the air will change from blue _ to pink. We regret to record the death of the distinguished scientist, Charles Jacques Edward Morren, at Liege, Belgium, the 28th of February, 1886. He was born December 2d, 1833. James Britten shows in the February ‘Journal of Botany’ that the genus Brodiaea of Smith should bear an older name, Hookera of Salisbury. Our species may retain their specific names. Among the permanent departments which we hope to establish in this journal are botany and horticulture, vertebrates, lower invertebrates, entomology, psy- chology, correspondence, exchanges, literature, ete. A botanical trip of several months’ duration is being planned which may pre- vent issuing another number of the Screnrisr till June or later, but subscribers will not be the losers—rather the gainers, as some valuable information will probably be secured for publication. Subscribe! Books, natural history specimens or stamps are acceptable. All are invited to contribute. It was intended ere this to have enlarged the size of this journal very material y, but delays and other difficulties have arisen which render it impracticable to do so before the end of summer. We shall endeavor to give all subscribers the value of their money. The peninsula in front of San Diego city is being improved by a company who propose making it a popular resort and to which the name Coronado Beach has been applied. In boring for artesian water, a strata of sand was found containing num- erous fossil shells of the later tertiaries. The more prevalent species were Phasian- ella eompta, Ostrea lurida and Anomia lampe in the order named. The strata. was found at a depth of nearly seventy feet. — THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 30 TS | LEUCITE FROM LOWER CALIFORNIA. The histery of leucite is very interesting. Some thirty years ago Humboldt made the general statement that leucite occurred nowhere outside of Europe. Curi- ously enough, until within a few years this statement held good. In 1874, how- ever, Vogelsang found it in an Asiatic basalt, and in 1876 Zirkel announced its _ discovery in Wyoming Territory. Although the leucite was invisible to the naked eye, Zirkel’s discovery was regarded as so important that the locality was named by the U. S. Geological Sur- vey the Leucite Hills. An interesting commentary on the influence of modern science is furnished by a name so given. Another extra-European locality for leucite is now announced by Von Chrust- schoff, who finds it in a lava in the vicinity of the extinct volcano ‘Cerro de las Vir- gines’ in Lower California. The rock consists of an ash-gray ground-mass sprinkled with rounded spots of brownish-black obsidian or glass, and with light specks of leucite. These light specks are shown by a lens to have a rounded octagonal outline. The leucite is remarkably clear and fresh, and shows in polarized light the well known twining structure, even better marked than in the leucite of the Vesuvian lavas or of the Laacher-See. While generally in rounded masses, the smaller indi- viduals are often clearly octagonal in outline. The microscope shows the leucite to contain many inclusions, among which are augite, apatite olivine, plagioclase, mag- netite, nepheline and glass inclusions and bubbles.—[H. C. Lewis. ———$ es TREE PLANTING IN THE UNITED STATES. From a paper on the woods of the United States and their destruction, in the February Century, Mr. J. E. Chamberlain sums up as follows: ‘‘ The reasonable conclusion of the whole matter would seem to be that while there is no serious menace to the eastern half of the United States through the loss of forests, there is good reason to urge the preservation of as much of them as possible and the encour- agement of new plantations ; while in the western half of the country the immedi- ate withdrawal from sale of the whole body of forests belonging to the Government is highly desirable There should be an exhaustive inquiry, at the hands of a com- petent Government commission, into the subject of the extent of forests belonging to the Government, their location, value, character, etc., the proportion of private lands now wooded, and the apparent dependence or independence, as the case may be, of all sections of the country upon the modifying effect of forests. Exact infor- mation is now needed, which could scarcely be obtained except through the efforts of such a commission. “Sentimental considerations, I suppose, are to be held secondary to the practi- cal in the matter ; but they are powerful, and should be aroused in behalf of no ob- ject more readily than the woods, which have occupied so large a place in the senti- mental life of man from the earliest times.” a4 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. The official description of Point Loma or Ponta de la Loma is as follows: ‘This is the southern part 0! the western boundary of San Diego bay, and the termination of a remarkable narrow spur of coarse, crumbling samdstone, which rises south of Puerto Falso, or False Bay, and west of the town of San Diego, to the height of three hundred feet, and af.er stretching south for about five and a half miles, grad- ually increasing in height to four hundred and fifty-seven feet, terminates very abruptly. It is covered with coarse grass, cacti, wild sage and low bushes. ene Re The difficulty experienced in soldering pieces of alumnium together or with other metals las been removed in France by the use of an alloy of tin and alumnium instead of pure tin. ° WANTED. Manuscripts and Autograph Letters of distinguished people. Ancient and Mod- ern Curious Manuscript, relics or books. Pay cash. Write what you have to C. F, Gunther, 78 Madison St., Chicago. CHARLES RUSSELL ORCUTT. ] IFE MEMBER of the San Diego society of natural history, etc. Dealer in seeds, bulbs, plants, 4d shells, curios, books, periodicals and natural history specimens. Publisher of The West Ameri- can Scientist. San Dree@o. CALIFORNIA, United States of America. THE SOUTHERN GEOLOGIST, Devoted to Mineralogy, Geology, and Archaeology. All the latest news in every issue. Subscription, 5Qc. per year, 5 cents per copy. Send for advertlsing rates. J. A. MURKIN, JR. : Nashville, Tenn.” HELP working people. Send 10 cents postage and we will mail vou free, a royal, valuable sample box of goods that will put you in the way of making more} money in a few days than you ever thought possible atany business. Capital not required. You can live at home and work in spare time only, or allthe time. AJl of both sexes, of all ages grandly successful. 50 cents to $5 easily earned every evening. That all who want work "may test the business, we make this unpaaralleled offer. To all who are not well satisfied we will send $1 to pay for the trouble of writ- ingus. Full particulars, directions, etc., sent free. Immense pay absolutely sure for all {who start at once. Don’t delay. Address STINSON & CO., Portland, Maine. WI more money than at anything else by taking an agency for the best selling bookout. Be- ginners succeed grandly. None fail. Termsfree. HALLETT BOOK CO., Portland, Maine. A PRIZE Send six cents for postage aud receive free, a costly box of goods which will help # youto more money right away than anything else in this world. All, of either sex, succeed from the first hour. The broad road to fortuue opens before the workers, absolutely sure. At once address, TRUE & CO., Augusta, Maine. 200 000” presents given away. Send us5 cents postage, and by mail you will get freea 5 package of goods of large value, that will start you in work that will at once bring you in money faster than anything else in America. All about the $200,000 in presents with each box. Agents wanted everywhere, of either sex, of all ages, for all the time, or spare time only, to work forus at their own homes. Fortunes for all workers absolutely assured. Don’t delay. H. HALLETT & CO., Portland, Maine. , A GIF Send 10 cents postage and we will mail yuu free a royal, valuable, sample box of goocs that will put youin the way of making more money at once, than anything else in America. Both sexes of all ages can live at home and work in spare time, or all the time. Capital not required. We willstart you. Immense pay sure for those who start at once. STINSON & CO., Portland, Maine. W ANTED At the Second hand Store. Highest prices paid for Furniture, Bedding, Stoves, s Crockery, Garden Implements, Carpenters’ Tools, etc. Liberal advances made on all goods sold on commission. Strietly one-price store. THEO. GULBRANDSEN. MRS. THEODOSIA B. SHEPHERD, FLORIST AND SEED GROWER, - - SAN BUENA VENTURA, California. Contraets taken to grow seeds and bnibs for florists. Specialties: Coben Scandens, monthly Car- nation and Smilax seed and Calla bulbs. Sea Mosses, Pressed Ferns and flowers furnished as speci- mens or souvenirs. Sendstamp for catalogue. A trade list. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. BD THE BoTaANICcCAL GAZETTE. An illustrated monthly of 24 pages or more devoted to all depart- ments of Botany. Contains original investigations, descriptive articles, editorial comments, and botanical news from all parts of the world. It appeals both to the specialist and to the intelligent juver of plants. Price, $2.00 a year. Dr. J. M. CouLTEr, CRAWFORDSVILLE, IND. Pror. C. R. Barnes, LAFAYETTE, IND. Pror. J. C. AnTHUR, GENEVA, N. Y. Epitrors & PUBLISHERS. ——___@——— THE AMERICAN NATURALIST. A popular illustrated monthly magazine of Natural History and Travel. This journal of popular Natural Science is published by Messrs. McCalla & Stavely, Philadelphia, Pa., under the editorial management of Dr. A. S. Packard, Jr., and Prof. E. D. Cope, with the assistance of eminent men of science. Each number of the Naturalist contains carefully written origina! articles on various subjects, and in addition eleven departments—Recent Literature, Geography and Travels, Geology and Paleontology, Mineralogy, Botany, Entomology, Zoology, Physiology, Psychology, Anthropology, Microscopy and Histology. ‘The depart- ment of Botany is edited by Prof. C. E. Bessey. that of Microscopy is edited by Prof. C. O. Whitman, that of Mineralogy is edited by Prof. H. C. Lewis, and that of Physiology by Prof. Henry Sewall, while the department of Geography and Travels is edited by W. N. Lockington. Subscription Price $4 per year in advance. Remittances by mail should be sent by a money order, draft on Philadelphia or New York, or registered letter to McCALLA & STAVELY, 237-9 Duck Street, Phila- delphia, Pa ee eee EXCHANGE NOTICES, ETC. NoticE:—This column will hereafter be open to offers to exchange books, instru- ments, specimens, etc. by subscribers. Right to refuse any notice reserved. Wanted—To purchase, LeripoprERa (Heterocera) from the West and South-West: Address, Dr. Chas. 8S. Mc Knight, Saranac Lake, Franklin Co.. Naw York. ——_@—____ The following shells will be mailed, postage paid, at 5 cents each, $5 per 100: From Europe; Helix aperta, rupestris, acuta, ericetorum, striata, trochoides, terres- tr;s, tropidophora, pulchella, carthusianella, carthusianorum, carthusiana, cantiana, nic jensis, elegans, ventricosa, cornea, neglecta, variabilis, mozambicansis, terveri, fase iolata, pustula, caperata, conspurcata, ciliata, austriana, arbustorum, aspersa, From San Diego and vicinity: Acmaea asmi, patina, persona, scabra, spectrum, astyris carinata, barbatia gradata, barleeia stbtenuis, haminea virescens, cerithilea sacrata, bythinella intermedia and binneyi, conus californicus, coecum orcutti, lasea oubra, fissurella volcano, bittium tuberculatum, donax californicus, heterodonax bt- maculatus, !itorina scutulata and planaxis, lottia gigantea. oystrea lurida, haliotis cracherodii and splendens (small), septifer bifurcatus, succinea oregonensis, myurella simplex, nuttalliana scabra, nassa tegula, omphalius fuscescens, phasianella compta. American shells: Helix palliata, mitchelliana, nickliniana, striatella, monodon, leaii, arborea, alternata, septemvolva, inflecta, hirsuta, reflecta, solitaria, albolabris, profunda, clausa, labyrinthica, lineata, multilineata, pensylveniva, edvardsi. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. FOR SALE. Indian Relics, ancient ana modern, Fossils, especially fine Trilo- bites. Minerals, Sea Shelis and Coral, Autographs, Confederate Money and Old State Bills, and all manner ofcuriosities. Send stamps for price lists. MERCER, 147 Cent. Ave. Cincinnati, 0. S W. KROFF, REAL ESTATE, LOANS AND Je COLLECTIONS. San Diego, Cal. OHN €. DALY, DEALER IN BOOKS AND STATIONERY. San Diego, Calif. BLACK HILLS MINERALS CHEAP. Thirty 1x1 labeled, postpaid, $1. Uranite, green, yellow incrustation, very beauti- ful, 50 cents to $1. “Bad Lands” fossils, Baculites, Scaphites, Am- monites, Belamnites, Teeth, etc. ‘Sioux Indian Relics, Buckskin and War Imple- ments. Clear Quartz Crystals, 1 to 5 inch, 10 to 65 cents. L. W. STILWELL, Deadwood, D..T. THE SAN DIEGO UNION. DAILY AND WEEKLY. DOUGLAS GUNN, - - - PROPRIETOR. ——_ —o———___—_ TPHE UNION was established in 1868. Until 1871] it was published only once a week, when the daily edition was begun. THE DAILY UNION is published every morning except Monday. THE WEEKLY UNION is published every Thursday. THE SAN DIEGO UNION is the oldest of the 41 news- papers published in Southern California. Of the 389 pepers published in the State, 297 have been started since it began publication. It is more than five years older than 245 of the journals of California, and more than ten years the senior of 168 of them. [It has a larger bona fide circulation than any other newspaper published in Southern California. THE WEEKLY UNION A eeEeye Spe pone paper of fifty-six columns, circu- ates very largely abroad, as well asat home. It goes to nearly every family in the county, and its subscri- bers “stay with it,” It is conceded to be the best Cal- ifornia weekly published out of San Francisco. Both daily and weekly editions circulate largely through Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and con- tiguous territory, It has subscribers in thirty-five of the thirty-eight States, and in six of the eight Terri- tories. in British Columbia, Canada, England, Scot- land, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the Sandwich Islands, China, Japan, and the Australian Colonies. The wide circulation, influen- tial position and representative character of the paper are undisputed. Persons wishing accurate informa- tion respecting the Southern part of California should subscribe for THE UNION. Sample copies sent on ap- plication. . TERMS: THE WEEKLY UNION. THE DAILY UNION. One Year, - - - - $300!One Year, - - - $1000 Six Months, - - - - 150|Six Months, - - - 500 ‘Three Months, - - 7|Three Months, - - 2 50 One Month, - - - 25!QOne Month, - - - 10 Address THE UNION, SAN DIEGO, CAL. ANTED.—Californian Coleoptera in exchange for Eastern. C. W. Leng, P.O. box 3565, N.Y. SEEDS Collected to Ontet Cc. R. ORCUTT Imported to Order{ San Diego. Cal. A. WENTSCHER, GENERAL COMMISSION, Forwarding and Shipping. Imperial German Consul. SAN DIEGO, CAL Birds’ Eggs and Botanical Specimens Collected to order by J. WW. PRESTO; P. O. Box 38, Baxter, Ia. Will spend the season in Northern Minnesota, Send for List of Sea Shells and Corals. CALIFORNIA SHELLS & CURIOSITIES, SEA MOSS, FERNS, ETC. E. W. FRICK & SONS, Fifth St., between Eand F, SAN DIEGO, CAL The Botanical Atlas, A Guide to the Practical Study of Plants By D. M’Aurping, F. C. 8., Lecturer on Botany, Edinburgh. Containing Representations of the Leading. Forms of Plant Life, with Practical Directions and Explanatory Text. For the use of Teachers aud Students. Divided into Cryptogams and Phanerogams, with 52 Full Colored Plates. Bound in two volumes, cloth. Price, $6.00 per volume. THE ZOOLOGICAL ATLAS, (Including Comparative Anatomy.) By D. M’ALPINE, F. C. S., Lecturer on Biology and Natural History, Edingburgh; author of ‘‘The Botanical Atlas,” etc. With Practical Directions and Explanatory Text for the use of Students. Containing 480 Colored Figures and Diagrams. Divided into Vertebrata and Invertebrata. Handsomely bound in cloth, with gilt edges. Two vols. Price $5.00 per vol. Sold by dealers, or THE CENTURY CO., N. Y. THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO, CAL. 8 ven miles from the entrance to the harbor ; latitude 32 deg. 40 m.; 480 miles i. of San ee Population ia ae ae steadily Hd Seale The at ide or pude for half a mile, and then rises more rapidly to dhplevation of 150 to 200 feet, giving every part of the city a fine view of the Bay, the ocean, Coronada Mi beauty. San Diego is 400 miles nearer New York city than San Francisco ; also nearer China, Japan, Australia and the South Pacific Islands—a commercial advan. _ tage of great value The city has seven churches, good schools, a public library and eading room, numerous secret orders, and places of amusement ; also gas. water, street car and telephone companies Many costly business blocks and stately resi- "4 ences are in process of erection or just completed, and the city is now improving i more rapidly than at any previous time. ‘The Climate.—No place on the continent can show so favorable weather ana ealth records No heated terms in the summer or cold spells iv the winter —n0 alaria. Physica! labor is here performed with the least discomfort the year roand, fessor Agassiz visited San Diego in August, 1872, and then said: ‘This is oue the favored spots of the earth, and people will come to you from all quarters Lo oe in your genia! and healthy atmosphere.” Many have been disappointed and posed upon by the ingenious and extravag int assertions of interested parties in | of other places. Theretore we urge you, of interested, ‘te examine the Signal ch service and other reliable records You will find that San Diego may rightfully Be a im the best climate to be found any where. Mean temperature—spring 60, sum. ner 67. fall 63, and winter 54 cegrees. Health: and Pleasure Resort.—Florida, Mt. Desert, and other piece are good at some particular season—but San Diego, all the year round, as a summet rt, is the best in the world. ‘All the conditions required to insure the greatest yunt of recreation and benetit to the pleasure seeker, or those in declining health, Peoaed in the City and Couaty of San Diego—such as first-class hotels, board- ie good reads and pikes hunting, ee ees baths, hot springs, 1 " Letters ay and ‘nformation free. ee, Immicration Assocrarton, San Diego, Cal. “4 islands, Point Loma, Table mountain, and many other objects of interest and natural — CONSOLIDATED NATIONAL BANK, Cor. Firru ann G Srs., San Draco, Cattr. CAPITAL PAID UP - = - =~» - ~—-$100,060| SURLPUS FUND - - +) - $12,000 OFFICERS. _ DIRECTORS. ie 0. S. WITHERBY , : f President | HIRAM MABURY, WM. E. HIGH, wa; E. HIGH . ; i} Vice-President | GEO. A. COWLES, E. W. MORSE, BRYANT HOWARD f 4 . Cashier 0.8, WITHERBY, J AMES McOOY, GEO. W. MARSTON : , . Asst. Cashier ~ “BRYANT HOWARD. Exchange on San Francisco, Chicago, New York. London, Paris, and other Principal Cities of oN) Europe and America bought and sould. _ DA REAL ESTATE AGENCY Fa F.R. WETMORE & CO., SAN DIEGO, é : : CALIFORNIA. Farms at all prices and sizes from $6.50 per acre to $500 per acre ; cleared and improved ; in the choicest Valleys and on the finest Mesa (or Table Lands) of San Diego County, where the Navel Orange, Lemons, Olives, Apricots, Nectarines, Prunes, - Bannanas, Pears, Mandarines, and any and all fruitand grain can be raised in greater perfection than in any other part of Southern California, City Lots and Blocks for business and residences at from $50 a lot to $1,500 a lot. = We take charge of properties, pay the taxes, and insurance, ete. Correspondece solicited, which shall receive our usual prompt attention. F. KR. WETMORE & CO, San Diego, Cala, 10 ies, Se cy gle Cop tents is CALIFORNIA | es Cc. R. ORCUTT, Epitor AND PUBLISHER. & GO, DIE i sat ‘ as £27 Entered at the Postoftice at San Diego, California, as Second-Class Mail Matter. Dat WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. (HSTABLISHED 18s4.] A monthly journal embracing all departments of science. Contributions will be welcomed from any quarter, Annual subscription in the Unite] States and Canada, $1.00 in advance, $1,25 if not paid in advance, postage prepaid. Foreign countries, 25 cents additional. Clubs of five are entitled to an extra copy. . Subscriptions maf commenc: with any number of the current volume. A few copies of numbers 3 to 15 inclusive can ba Supplied at 10 cents each. Books, archaeological or natural history specimens, ete., will be taken in pay- ment. wanted, or the subject is not of general interest, some remuneration will be ex- pected, or stamys should be enclose 1. , ny American or foreign newspapers and magazines supplied at the publishers’ — lowest price. A discount where several are ordered together. The standard popular or technicil scientific works or other books are also sup- plied. Address, : THE WEST AMERIGAN SCIENTIST, San Diego, California. MISCELLANEOUS. MOST SEASONABLE BOOKS © fOr THE BPIHLD AND STUDY. Qur books on NATURAL HISTORY are the best on the subject ever published. BOTANY. Life on the Seashore. Enserton. 1.50 icros : Ae c 2 : Naturalist’s Assistant. Kingsley. 1.50 us BODE ay BPR 5 Aaah te 5.00 | Naturalist’s Guide. Maynard. 2.00 Manual of the Mosses of North America. Methods of Microscopical Investigation. Lesquereux and James. 4.00 Whitman. Probably 2.50 Ferns of North America. Eaton. Eighty- ENTOMOLOGY. one colored plates. 30.00 | About Insects and How to Observe Them. Botanical Micro-Chemistry. Poulsen-Tre- Ebell. $ .30 lease. 1.00 Guide to the Study of Insects. Packard. 5.00 Botanical Collector’s Handbook. Bailey. 1.50 | Spiders; their Structure and Habits. Em- Lichens of North America. Tuckerman. 3.50 erton. 1.50 Mushrooms of North America. Palmer. 2.00 | Insects Injurious to Vegetation. Harris. 4.00 Bacteria Investigation. Dolley. 2.00 ORNITHOLOGY. GENERAL ZOOLOGY. Our Birds and their Haunts. Langille. 3.00 Handbook of Invertebrate Zoology. Brooks. 3.00 Manual of Taxidermy. Maynatd. 1.25 Our Books should be on sale at all Bookstores, or will be sent postpaid, on receipt of price. Send to us for a copy of the prospectus of THE STANDARD NATURAL HISTORY, to be issued in 6 large octavo volumes, fully illustrated. Written by all the leading American Scient- S. E. CASSINO & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. Al ARCH OTREET, BosTON: ANTONITE, A NEW MINERAL. Fine specimens of this are now in stock, which I recently obtained in Lower California, from the original and only known locality. Price, 10 cents to $1.00, by LOWER CALIFORNIAN LAND SHELLS. _ _ can now offer fine, large sets of Helix levis, Pupa chordata, Pupa species indet., and of a few other species. Pupas, 5 cents each; helices, 25 cents each. C. R. ORCUTT, San Diego, Cal. Californian shells and echinoderms to exchange for mirine shells from any part of the world. Also a large number of Eastern U. S. land, fresh water and marine, and foreign land and marine. Lists furnished on application. Correspondence with west-coast collectors especially desired. G. W. MICHAEL, Jr., | Morro, San Luis Obispo Co., Cal. WANTED. Manuscripts and Autograph Letters of distinguished people. Ancient and Mod- ern Curious Manuscript, relics or books. Pay cash. Write what you have to Cox. Gunther, 78 Madison St., Chicago. BOOKS AND PERIODICALS. THE BoTANICAL GAZETTE. An illustrated monthly of 24 pages or more devoted to al] depart- ments of Botany. Contains original investigations, descriptive articles, editorial comments, and botanical news from all parts of the world. It appeals both to the specialist and to the intelligent juver of plants. Price, $2.00 a year. Dr. J. M. CouLTER, CR&WFORDSVILLE, IND. Dror. C. R. Barnes, LAFavyeEtTre, IND. Pror. J. C. ARTHUR, GENEVA, N. Y. Epirors & PUBLISHERS. THE BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. A Monthly Journal of Botany, founded in 1870 by Wm. H. Leg- ett. Devoted to the publication of original investigations in the field and laboratory by members of the Club and other leading botanists. Subscription, $1.00 a year in advance, payable to the ' editor of the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, Columbia Colleze, New York. ) A COPY OF THE “HOOSIER NATURALIST” Will be mai'el to yor for se.en cents in stamps. Itis devoted ‘o Popular Natural History, anl contains from 20 to 24 pages each month. Whea writing please mention this paper. Adress, R. B. TROUSLOT, Valparaiso, Ind. THE SOUTHERN GEOLOGIST, Devoted to Mineralogy, Geology, and Archaeology. All the latest news in every issue. Subscription, 50c. per year, 5 cents per copy. Send for advertlsing rates. J. A. MURKIN, JR. Nashville, Tenn. THE AMERIAN NATURALIST. A popular illustrated monthly magazine of Natural History and Travel. This journal of popular Natural Science is published by Messrs. McCalla & Stavely, Philadelphia, Pa., under the editorial management of Dr. A. S. Packard, Jr., and Prof. E. D. Cope, with the assistance of eminent men of science. Each number of the Naturalist contains carefully written origina! articles on various subjects, and in addition eleven departm nts—Recent Li‘erature, Geography ani Travels, Geology and Paleontology, Mineralogy, Botany, Entomology, Zoology, Physiology, Psychology, Anthropology, Microscopy and Histology. ‘he depart- - ment of Botany is edited by Prof. C. E. Bessey. that of Micro-cony is elited by Prof. C. O. Whitman, that of Mineralozy is edited by Prof. H.C. Lewis, and that of Physiology by Prof. Henry Sewall, while the department of Geography and ‘Travels is edited by W. N. Lockington. Sub-cription Price $4 per year in advance. IRemittances by mail should be sent by a money order, draft on Philadelphia or New York, or registered letter to McCALLA & STAVELY, 237-9 Duck Street, Phil.- de!phia, Pa SEEDS AND PLANTS. Orders will be received for all kinds of FRUIT, FOREST, AND ORNAMENTAL TREES, | Sere tt Bo AND”) hPLAN TS. At as fair prices as by any in the State. Orders taken in advance for FEiucalyptus, Cy- press, Palms, etc. Tree, Vegetable, Garden or Flower Seeds, at Wholsale and Retail. PALM SEED BY THE POUND OR HUNDRED POUNDS. The collection of Californian seeds and plants, especially of Ferns, Lilies, Cactuses, etc., is a specialty. C. R. ORCUTT, SAN DIEGO, CAL, REAL ESTATE, ETC. G. FRANK JUDSON, J. K. HAMILTON. JUDSON & HAMILTON, REAL ESTATE AGE NGS For City and Country Property Of all kinds and in quantities to suit any and all classes of pur- chasers. We have a very large list of Fruit, Alfalfa, Grain and Stock Ranches, ALSO A FINE LIST OF CITY PROPERTY Which we will take pleasure in showing. Wesell strictly on com- mission and not for all we can get over and above what the owner wants net, so parties dealing with us are assured the lowest price and a square deal. Publishers “San Diego County Land Regis- ter and San Diego Business Directory. Office: West side Fifth St. bet. E and F, SAN DIEGO, CAL. MINERAL SCARF PINS. Mounted with the natural nugzets of gold, silver and othr sparkling ores from the mines of the Rocky Mountains. These souvenirs of the Far West being a new idea, and unlike all other scarf pins, are very attractive and unique as gifts for ladies or gents. Liberal te:ms to agents, jewelers and the trade. Sample mailed for fifty cents in silver or postage stamps. Send for circular. G. G. MEAD, Ferri:, Wyoming. CHARLES RUSSELL ORCUTT. | [hep MEMBER of the San Diego society of natural history, etc. Dealer in seeds, bulbs, plants, shells, curios, books, periodicals and natural history specimens. Publisher of The West Ameri- can Scientist. San Dizeo, CALIFORNIA, United States of America. W ANTED At the Second hand Store. Highest prices paid for Furniture, Bedding, Stoves, s Crockery, Garden Implements, Carpenters’ Tools, etc. Liberal advances made on all goods sold on commission. Strietly one-price store. THEO. GULBRANDSEN. O to SHERRIFF’S ARCADE for the very best portraits, made by both the wet and instanta- ere S. F. es. eo Diego: oe plates. Copying and enlarging, from the tin- . iest locket up to life size, in crayon, pastel, India ink and water colors. Babies’ pictures taken by electri- KLAU BER & LEVI 5 aed Also, Semi-tropical California Scenery of all kinds, by es : : roceries, Hardware, Agricul- J. A. SHERRIFF, Rp es st LEADING PHOTOGRAPHER, tural Implements. Cer. Fifth and E Sts San Diego, Cal. When others fail try Sherriff. Cor. Fifth and H Sts. San Diego, Cal, The West American Scientist. Wotat th, < .. JUNE, 1886. No. 16. NORTHERN LOWER CALIFORNIA. Proceeding southward from San Diego we cross the boundary line between Alta and Baja California in the Tijuana valley, some fourteen miles away. Near by is the spacious adobe custom house of the Mexican government, with flat roof and whitewashed walls, surrounded with numerous wretched hovels and shanties, which show conclusively that we have left the land of Yankee energy and enterprise be- hind, even before it is out of sight. Three miles further takes us to the hot sul- -phur springs, which boil up out of the sands of the river bank, bathing in which is said to be so beneficial to rheumatism, and other ills to which flesh is heir. Driving eastward to the furthér end of the valley two or three leagues, we reach the old Wildcat station of the San Diego and Fort Yuma stage road of former days, then over hills and through the pretty Carysito valley (where we leave the old stage road) to Valle de los Palmas, or palm valley, where in a few side canyons may be found the most northern of the Californian fan palms growing west of the sierras. The valley is broad, open and sandy, with a fair growth of grass in some seasons and numerous mesquite and cottonwood trees, the latter growing along the river, a branch of the Tijuana. Following this river we enter a long and rugged canyon with precipitous walls of rock upon the one hand and scarcely less steep hills upon the other. Crossing the clear running stream time after time, through little valleys opening out of the eanyon and over rolling hills, the road at last leads us to the fertile and grassy plains of Vallecito, where the present governor of the northern municipality of Lower California, an American by birth, now resides, and where the droves of horses and cattle, and the waving fields of wheat—soon to be ground into flour by a mill on the ranch for the local and Mazatlan markets—showed unfailing signs of present and future prosperity. Another fifteen miles, acro:s the valley and up and down a couple of little can- yons lined with live oak trees, brings us to the Guadaloupe ranch—one of the largest and probably the best ranch in the peninsula—where the proverbial hospi- tality of Messrs. Flower—three brothers from Michigan—awaits the stranger. Wm. M. Gabb, in his report on the peninsula of Lower California to J. Ross Browne, 38 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. gives the following in his narrative of a journey from La Paz to San Diego overland in 1866-7: ‘Guadaloupe ranch is by far the best rancho in Lower California. It comprises seven leagues of bottom land, with a stream of water running through it. The land is of great fertility and several acres of wheat and barley, already headed out [Apr. 17, 1867,] showed that it was excellent grain land. There is here also a large or- chard of various fruits, including peach, plum, apricot, pomegranate, fig, etc., and a fine vineyard. The grass in the uncultivated parts cf the valley was unsurpassed by anything we saw on the whole journey, below or above. Two leagues beyond we camped under a large spreading live oak by the side of a beautiful stream of water gurgling over its pebbly bed, and enjoyed the luxury of a rousing campfire.’ About ten miles below is the San Antonio ranch, near where are the so-called copper mines, of which Gabb says: ‘We spent a little while looking at one or two of the copper claims, and saw nothing more than the deceptive copper stains in granite, which have caused so much useless expenditure of money in Upper Califor- nia.’ These mines have since been worked for copper aid found unprofitable; but with the copper ore there has been an interesting discovery of a new mineral with a beautiful silvery lustre, which has rendered the continued working of the mines possible. This mineral has been described as Antonite, and is used in the manufac- ture of fancy papers. From San Antonio to the sea at Sauzal de Comacho (Gabb gives the name as simply Saucal) is six or eight miles along a couple of little canyons, where we first meet with the buckeyes, the willow-leaved manzanitas, a small currant or goose- berry, and other pretty shrubs like the will lilacs, the flowering ash, etc.—all of which were in full bloom when first I visited the bay of Todos Santus, presenting to the eyes of our little party of botanists a floral feast that was fully appreciated, and on my part never to be forgotten. At Sauzal we greet the genial Capt. Center and his son, who own a ranch of some 6000 acres. Here the orange, lemon, apple, pear, peach, apricot, olive, banana and many other kinds of fruits may be found—all in healthy condition and doing well, showing what can be done. The little town of Encenada—some six miles further along the shores of Todos Santos Bay—contains several stores, another flour mill, an extensive custom house and a few dozen little houses, largely occupied by the soldiers and the Mexican offi- cials. Near by is the little field of Parry’s pretty rose, rosa minutifolia, the clusters of the cordwood cactus or pitahaya agria as it is called by the Mexicans (an unpub- lished species of cereus), which produces a gummy, resinous substance occasionally used in calking boats, a large cushion cactus, and various other plants which have this bay for their northern limit. Beyond are the lands of the new colonization company, where they intend to locate their first settlers—a splendid piece of bottom land, with water near the sur- face and capable of raising many fruits and vegetables The high hills soon close the valley up into a narrow canyon; following this up we go by ‘ Purgatory’ or Las Animos, where a few English walnut and other trees are in bearing and a nice THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 39 A a es ee ee spring gushes out of a little side canyon, pass under low-spreading, stunted live oak trees and across a few grassy fields to the La Grulla ranch, where Chris. McAleer greets the traveler with free hospitality. This was the old headquarters of the fili- buster, Gen. Walker, who was defeated by the Mexicans and afterward hanged in Central America for raising a revolution. Across the creek from the large two- story house there are about fifty hot and warm springs of water. The place is said to have received its name from the large number of geese which formerly made it a resort. Passing through the canyon into which the valley again narrows, we descend to the Santo Tomas valley, where a number of houses are situated, some half dozen of which are near the old mission ruins. A group of olive trees surpassing in size any others seen are almost the only traces of early cultivation in the vicinity. Consid- erable quantities of wine are produced, and a few acres are under cultivation, irri- gated by the wa'er from three or four large springs. This pretty valley is some thirty miles in length and contains much valuable land for cultivation. The steep, rocky hill out of this valley is sufficient to discourage one from going the next thirty miles, through a rolling, rocky country. Plenty of water is to be found, however, along the water courses, a few sycamore trees and seemingly fertile lands along their borders. Mr. Gabb says of the San Vicente ranch: ‘It contains several leagues of good, very fertile bottom land and a considerable ‘tract of grazing land on the low, rolling hills. A large portion of the bottom land ‘seems to have been cultivated during the time of the missions, judging from the ‘remains of irrigating ditches winding around the hillsides. Let American enter- ‘prise wake these people out of their lethargy, and San Vicente will become one of ‘the most flourishing ranches of Lower California. ‘Our camp was one of the most beautiful I ever beheld. We were on a per- ‘fectly level tract of a few acres, nearly shut in by a grand old hedge of prickly ‘pear; the whole area was covered with a mat of the greenest grass. Back of us ‘was a table ten or fifteen feet high, on which stood the not unpicturesque ruins of ‘the mission buildings; at our side was a fine stream of water, and overhead the “dense foliage of a clump of venerable olive trees, in the midst of which we had ‘made our camp. The mules luxuriated in the rich, juicy herbage, and we enjoyed ‘the beauties of the place to the fullest, leaving it with regret.’ Considerable of the bottom land has been washed out along all the arroyos in Lower California during the past few years, and many fertil'e canyons have been completely cleaned out of all their vegetation and soil; the heavy floods, which have caused such havoc in Alta California, leaving nothing for cultivation along the former banks of some rivers. This seems to indicate that our floods in Upper California are not wholly caused by the advent of civilization, and cannot be laid to forest fires 0, the effects of clearing and cultivating the soil. Near San Vicente are the excellent copper mines which produce very rich ox- ides and carbonates in large quantities. Extensive shipments of ore have been made at different times, and excellent iron ore exists in the neighborhood in large quanti- ties, but, owing to the heavy duties and other requirements of the Mexican govern- 40) THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. ment, it has not been found profitable to work them. Near the mouth of the San Vicente river on the sides and top of the steep, high mountains, are hundreds of pretty trees of pinus muricata, some of the little trees scarcely three feet high bear- ing several full sized cones ! ; From San Vicente the road leads across a rolling granite country to El Salado, where the ruins of an old adobe announce the failures of others in the past. Then through rough canyons and over a rolling country, passing but a single ranch on the brink of a sandy arroyo, we reach the San Telmo canyon, where a plenty of grass and a large stream of fresh water gives us a pleasant surprise. The upper part of the canyon widens out and contains considerable fertile land where a few vineyards and small orchards are irrigated with ease. Quite a little settlement exists here, as the ranch is owned by several Mexicans and in part by an American, John B. H yde, who has been a pioneer settler for twenty years of San Telmo and Santa Maria com. bined. Leaving the older road for a better and newer, we follow down the canyon til] about nine miles from the sea, where we strike off over the mesas, which resemble very closely those that are found on the approach to San Diego from the north, and after some thirty miles of this more or less uneven or sandy road, reach the fine cat tle ranch at San Ramon, where a nice spring of water may be found. The people throughout this region are engaged in raising horses and cattle principally, along with a few goats and sheep. The principal agricultural products are beans, which are easily raised in quantity. From San Telmo to San Quentin and southward the country was fo.merly overrun with rattlesnakes and tarantulas, but at present they are less numerous though still abundant, as several would be seen in traversing the road for twenty miles or so. It was reported that some sailors from the U. S. 8. Ranger recently had a grand hunt for these reptiles near San Quentin bay, and after killing a considerable number found a place where they were so thick that they con- sidered a retreat the safest thing they could do. The following selections from Gabb’s narrative above referred to will suffice to complete the present sketch of the coast region of Baja California north of the 31st degree north latitude: ‘From San Fernando we rode ten leagues across rolling and hilly country and through another range to a rocky plain called India Flaca or thin Indian, a very ap- appropriate name, since any Indiin, or white man either, who should live here a few weeks would be sure to be thin enough. We passed the place called the Agua Amarga (bitter water), or Santa Ursula, where we obtained a supply of water for camp use, and then pushed on to the west side of the above plain. Camping in an arroyo near the western margin of the plain, close to a low range of hills, we found a sufficiency and had cactus skeletons and maguey stumps for fuel. We had be- come so accustomed to camping without water that we hardly noticed its absence. During this same week we made five ‘ dry camps,’ watering our mules and obtaining a inet of water in our barrels some time during the day. ‘On the way to-day we killed a couple of rattlesnakes and after cutting off their heads carried their bo.ies into camp. To the great disgust of the Mexicans we > THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 4) cooked and ate them; more, it is true, by way of experiment than anything else. They are, however, very palatable; the flesh is a little tough, but sweet, without bad flavor, and resembles eels somewhat, but is not so greasy. From India Flaca we rode five leagues to Rosario, where we filled our barrel and went two leagues farther to a deep canyon in the coast called the Arroyo Honda, where we made an- other dry camp. Having passed Rosario, we were told to expect a great improve- ment in the country. The rocky tracts were to disappear and beautiful valleys were to take their place. Of a truth, there was a great change, but Rosario is rather an arbitiary point; San Quentin would be a nearer approximation to the truth. In the morning rode nine leagues to San Simeon, or, as it has lately been christened, the city of Santa Maria. The read lay along the coast, much of it on the hard sand beach in view of the surf, until we struck inland a mile or two below Sta. Maria. - ” z bs ‘Bidding adieu to the city which is to be, we went eight miles to the salt-ponds of San Quentin. Riding over a low hill. we found ourselves on the margin of one of the lakes. These are some half a dozen in number, and cover areas of from one to five acres each. The salt crystalizes in the mud flat around the margin in sheets nearly half an inch thick. This is collected in heaps and needs no preparation to fit it for shipment. About San Quentin the pasture was exactly like that of Upper California in its best condition. Alfilerilla, alfalfa, burr and red clovers make the greater part of the forage plants, while the yellow poppy, primrose, and other fa- miliar flowers, complete the resemblance. In fact, the belt from here to Rosario may be laid down as the dividing line between the semi-tropical floras of the lower peninsula and the more northern vegetation of Upper California. Many spe-ies of cactus disappear soon after leaving Rosario, as well as a large number of other plan‘s with which we had become familiar; and of those which do continue, a large number cling tenaciously to the mountains or highlands, and are even there scattered and thinning out. On the other hand, we had noticed for more than a week one after another. of our old northern friends coming in, first scattered, stunted, and evidentl y away from home, but gradually increasing in size and numter, almost insensibly, but nose the less surely supplanting their southern neighbors. This overlapping of forms takes place much more ma 'kedly in the high land than in the plains. In the latter the vegetation is much more sectional, that is it resembles much more closely the district to which it belongs. As an illustration, an Upper Californian, sud- denly transpo: ted to San Quentin, would have no special reason to suppose himself out of his state; while if he were placed on the mountains directly east, or even northeast, he would find himself amid the same plants that make the characteristic landse ‘pe about San Borja, or even farther south. Two or three miles from San Quentin we saw the last cardon, or columnar cactus; and in the line of demarcation which I had laid down, we encountere | the first buckeyes and elders. Chapparal oaks make their appearance between this point and San Telmo, and the hills sup- port, for the first time, a scattered growth of chamiso. The ceanothus, with its lit- tle bunches of purplish flowers, appears about the same time.’ C. R. ORCUTT. 42 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. THE MORNING AIR. [Written for the West American Scientist.] *Tis mine to breathe the morning air, Upon this balmy shore, Where breathing is a pure delight, Rejoiced in more and more. Tis mine to breathe the morning air, Where salt sea-breczes roam, And flowers through all the sunny year, Make home indeed, sweet home. "Tis mine to breathe the morning air, Where ’tis a joy so pure, A sweet and glad surprise springs up Each day to find it sure. "Tis mine to breathe the morning air, Where grandeur rules the main, And all the landscape far and wide, Is beauty’s own domain. "Tis mine to breathe the morning air, Where all the orbs of light, So clear and pure the atmosphere, Appear supremely bright. Tis mine to breathe the morning air, Where every passing day, Awakes the grateful heart to praise, . For all the bright array. And with the Psalmist to exclaim, ‘Of all the earth the joy,’ Like Zion’s situation fair, And little toannoy. Tis mine where Nature’s ways are sweet, To breathe the morning air, And ocean waves, like ‘evening bells,’ Invite the heart to prayer. San Diego, California. _ E. E. ——_—_@¢—_—_ The quantity of poison conveyed in the fangs of venomous snakes appears to be very small, but of very powerful quality. Dr. Vincent Richards, of Bengal, men- tions a krait which quickly killed three men and seriously poisoned a fourth by bites given in rapid succession. He estimates that the reptile carried eight grains of liquid venom in its poison glands, which are smaller than those of the cobra. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 43 MOLLUSKS OF SAN DIEGO.—III. —————— — {Continued from page 30.] The Fusidae family contains more or less spindle-shaped shells, without var- ices; the lip of the aperture not thickened. The only representative of this family which I have found at San Diego is a single beach-worn specimen of Fusus kobelti var. unicolor, which was about two inches long. The variety differs from the type in being more slender and in the absence of the usual chocolate color on the larger riblets. Siphonalia Kellettii, a large, stout white shell which is rarely found at San Diego, but has been dredged alive in 16 fathoms off Catalina Island harbor in 1873, forms a representative of the Buccinidae family. Large numbers of dead shells of this are sometimes washed ashore at Todos Santos bay, Lower California. The other representative of the family is the Macron lividus of A. Adams, which is not rare on the ocean beaches, where it may be found on the rocks at the edge of the water at very low tide. The Nassidae are known by several species of Nassa, a genus of world-wide distributien. Our species are: ' Nassa fossata, Gould, dea | shells of which are abundant, apparently living in deep water; Nassa perpinguis, Hinds, seemingly rare at San Diego, though not rare at Catalina in 16 fathoms. and dead shells are plentiful; Nassa mendica var. cooperi, Fbs., rare at low water at La Playa, also at Todos Santos bay; and Nassa tegula, Rve., abundant on muddy bay shores, where they may eften be found coll-cting to feast on some dead animal. ' [To be continued. ] ees FOREST INFUENCE ON CLIMATE, In a paper before tie Royal Me-eorolozical Society of London, Dr. Woeikof stated that the first step towards a scientific investigation of the influence of forests upon climate was taken by th: establishment of the Bavarian forest meteorological stations. This example was followed by Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy and other countries. In general it has been found that during the warmer season the air and earth temperatures are lower in the forest than in neighboring woodless pieces; that their variations are less, and that the relative humidity is greater. A discus- sion of this question shows that in the western portions of the Old World extensive forests materially influence the temperature of neighboring localities, and that the normal increase of temperature of the Atlantic ocean towards the interior of the continent is not only interrupted by their agency, but they cause the summer to be cooler in regions situated further in the interior than those nearer the sea. Hence, forests exert an influence on climate which does not cease at their borders, but is felt over a greater or less district, according to the size, kind and positions of the forests. It follows from this that man may considerably affect the climate cake clear- ing forests in one place and planting others in another. Ad THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. SINGING SANDS. {Written for the Scientist. ] For ages the wild Arab had known that there was the mystery of music among the sands of Jabel Nakous or the ‘ Mountain of the Bell,’ about three miles from the gulf of Suez. Jabel Nakous and one other locality, in the neighborhood of Cabul, were the only places known where the glistening sands sang their evening hymn, until Hugh Miller, autho: of ‘The O11 Red Sandstone,’ etc., in his ‘Cruise of the Betsey,’ gave an account of a third locality which he himself discov red. Miller says: ‘It seemed less wonderful that there should be music in the granite of Memnon, than in the loose Oolitic sand of the Bay of Laig. As we marched over the drier tracts, an incessant woo, woo, woo rose from the surface that might be heard in the calm some twenty or thirty yards away, and was easily evoked by the foot.’ And now a locality on the shores of Massachusetts has been found where the sands have a similar musical tendency. Not to be outdone in anything, the sands on the shores of San Diego have a music of their own equal in sweetness to the ‘singing sands’ of all other localities, presenting the beautiful phenomenon that ever since it was first observed has given rise to more or less superstitions. E. E. ee THE POISONOUS SCORPION OF MEXICO. At a recent meeting of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, Dr. Leidy read a communication from Dr. V. Gonzalez, giving an account of the scor- pions of Durango, Mexico, and the deadly effect of their sting. They are found everywhere in the city, and every effort has been made to exterminate them, but withouf effect. A reward of a cent and a half for males and double that amount for females is paid by the authorities, and the records indicate that some years over one hundred thousand are captured and destroyed. The sting, especially in the case of children, is invariably fatal; the victim, if under two or three years of age, dying in a few hours, and sometimes in a few minutes, in strong general convulsions. No antidote for the poison has as yet been discovered, and the assistance of Dr. Leidy is a:ked by the writer in his endeavor to determine some successful mode of treatment. It was suggested by Messrs. Horn, Heilprin and Leidy that the Mexican scorpion must differ from the species found in Florida and California, as the sting of the lat- ter is not usually graver than that of a wasp.—Scientific American. [My companion on my recent trip into Lower California was stun z by a scor- pion (scorpio allenii); the effect upon him was similar to the sting of a wasp. A scorpion the size of a man’s hand was reported to be found in the vicinity of San Quentin bay, but its existenoe is doubtful.—Ep. ] eS Se A northern blenny, Cebedichthys violaceus, hitherto recorded f:om Washington Territory southward to Point Concepcion, was found in April south of San Quentin bay, Lower California. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 45 CHARLES OLIVER TRACY. [We regret to record the death of a dear friend and former associate, whose labors in the field of science bid fair to win him well earned honor and distinction. His studies were m inly devoted to natural history, especially ornithology—on which subject he has contributed much in the Ornithologist and Oologist, and in other jour- nals. The following is from the Vermont Standard, of May 6, and is by his valued friend, Hon. E. M. Goodwin.—Ep. ] Died at his home in Taftsville, Vermont, April 22, 1886, of consumption, Charles O. Tracy, aged nearly thirty years. He had been failing in health for some time—indeed had never recovered from the assiduous watching and careful nursing of his beloved wife. He endured his sickness with fortitude and very remarkable patience, never complaining, heroically struggling with disease when there was no hope of recovery. Mr. Tracy was a gentleman of culture, of genial and happy dis- position, and of exemplary moral character. He was well known and highly re- spected in the community where he resided, always intimate in good society. He was a true friend of temperance—true to principle, never forsaking the cause when others faltered, or grew weary in battling its enemies; many years a member of Good Templars in Taftsville and filled from time to time its offices of trust and responsi- bility and always with kindness and courtesy, where his loss will be deeply felt. The loss of him will also be felt by his neighbors and friends, but most especially by his family. To them he was inestimable; to us he was a dear friend and valued as- sociate. He expressed much confi lence in the mercy and loving kindness of God all through his sickness, conversing always cheerfully of his approaching death, and at all times entreated his friends not to mourn for him. His wish and faith are ex- pressed in these beautiful lines of Mrs. Browning: ‘And friends, dear friends, when it shall be That this low breath is gone from me, And round my bier ye come to weep, Let one most loving of you all ‘ Say ‘ Not a tear must o’er him fall— He giveth His beloved Sleep.’ ——__@-—__. THE EYES OF SERPENTS. At the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, June 8, Dr. Benjamin Sharp reported that, while recently studying the eyes of serpents, he had observed that in the poisonous snakes the pupils were elliptical, while in the harmless species they were circular. The only exception to the rule, that he was aware of, was in the case of the Elapidae, a family of poisonous coluberine snakes in which the pupil is circular; but in these the poison fangs are fixed, and do not move as those of other venomous forms. ae Fine crystals of epsonite are reported from an excavation near Rincon, in Ven- tura county, in the March number of the Pacific Science Monthly. 46 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. NEW LOWER CALIFORNIAN CACTUSES. The fol'owing unpublished forms have been known to the writer for several years, but their publication was indefinitely delayed by the death of the eminent authority on this truly difficult class of plants. Possessing the notes upon which Dr. Engel nann dezided to base the new species and variety here presented, I ven- ture to now publish them under the names which he proposed. While a more care- ful study of them and comparison with other forms is desirable, yet it is thought better to give these notes in their present form than to delay further, owing to the distribution of specimens and living plants in various herbaria and gardens through- out the United States and Europe. Echinocactus Oreuttii, Engelmann, MS. Heads cylindrical, 10 to 18 inches in diameter and 2 to 33 feet high, sometimes bulging in the middle, growing single or often cespitose, more rarely proliferous at base, with 13 when young, to usually 20 or 22 obtuse tuberculate ribs and a woolly, spineless, depressed top: spines stout, reddish, straight or recurved, all annulated, usually 9 radiating and 4 stouter cen- tral ones: flowers deep dull crimson with greenish or lighter colored margins to the petals, 2 inches long, otherwise as in E. viridescens: stigmata green, 16 to 20: fruit pulpy, crimson, scily, with numerous small seeds. Palm valley, Lower California. .H. C. and C. R. Orcutt, May 29, 1883. Some of the cespitose plants were found with 18 large, well developed heads; young plants usually globose. Occasionally found with E, viridescens at San Diego. Cereus phoeniceus var. pacificus, Engelm. MS. Plant cespitose, one to four feet in diameter, few to five hundred short stems (6 to 9 inches long and 2 to 23 inches in diameter) ia each, forming dense oval cushions: stems with 10 to 12 obtuse ribs, shallow intervals, and an equal number of internal ligneous fibers: radial spines 1 to 12 and of an average length of 4 inch, the 4 central spines larger, 2? to 1 inch long, slender, white: flower an inch across, including the capsule 14 inches long, the oblong spatulate sepals bright red with a broad purplish mid vein: ovary and fruit with 25 to 30 spiny areolae: fruit fleshy with numerous small seed: stamens slender, as long as Sepals; anthers small, red; style ? inch long, stigmata 6 to 8, greenish. Less than thirty plants of this beautiful form are known to exist in its original locality—a rocky canyon near Todos Santos bay, Lower California, where it was found in flower January 25, 1883, by Dr. C. C. Parry, H. C. Orcutt and myself. No other locality has since been found for this consequently rare form, which is probably a good species. C. R. ORCUTT. ee eee The United States has but five botanic gardens out of the one hundred and ninety-seven in the world. The active volcano of Kilauea, in the Sandwich Islands, composed of the old Lake Halemaumau and the New Lake, sank from the bed of the crater on March 6, leaving a bottomless abyss about four miles in circumference. The volcanic erup- tion which has been so active in the past was utterly extinguished.—Scientific Amer- ican. 47 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. Mh \ WAN ) f] if Za ECHINOCACTUS GRCUTTIT, ENGELMANN, MS. 48 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. FOUQUIERA GIGANTEA, NEW SPECIES. Trunk erect, 20 to 40, or even 60 feet in height, branching above the middle and sending up a few simple stems to nearly the height of the main stem; bark glaucous green, set from the bases of the main trunk and the branches to their sum- mi-s with numerous small leafy twigs (an eighth of an inch in diamete: and 4 to 20 inches in length): leaves spatulate to ovate, 4 inch to an inch long, the primary at- tenuate into a rigid petiole and the blade and inner portion of the petiole at length deciduous (as in F. splendens), leaving the dorsal part as a stout divaricate spine an inch long or less, the axils producing several sessile leaves: flowers produced at the summit of the stems on short pedicels in nearly simple 1acemes six or more inches long: corolla unknown, said to be white (?): capsule as in F, splendens but rather shorter: seeds unknown. Abundant near the missions of Rosario and San Fernando (near the 31st degree N. lat.) in Lower California, and said to extend far to the south and into Mexico. Known to the Mexicans as the cereo. The large pith is said to be eaten with a relish by cattle, and the hollow trunks are excellent hives for the numerous swarms of. wild bees in that district. As there are no other trees in that arid region, except a few large cactuses, this forms a prominent feature in the landscape and is well de- scribed as a huge invert:d carrot. The stem consists of a large pith surrounded by ligneous fibres nearly a half inch thick, another pi hy layer an inch thick, and then numerous small woody fibres next to the thin epidermis. C. R. ORCUTT. —_q—_——_ _ EDITORIAL. We are informed that the voleano Cerro de las Virgenes, in Lower California, referred to on p. 33 of the current volume of The Scientist as extinct, is in an active state. We would thank the following authors for valuable publications received: Hon. K. M. Goodwin; Chas. E. Putnam; H. B. Baker, M. D.; Dr. Asa Gray; Geo. H. Perkins, Ph. D.; Verplanck Colvin; C. B. Bradley; Prof. Sereno Watson and others. Amateur journalism, we are pleased to record, made its first appearance in this county in the neat ‘ Voice of the West,’ May, 1886. May others follow. A fine portrait of Dr. Asa Gray appears in the June ‘Century,’ with an inter- esting account of Harvard’s botanic garden and its botanists, by Ernest Ingersoll. It is intended to publish this journal with greater regularity in the future, and to make it of greater value to all its patrons. To do so, however, it is necessary to have a much more liberal support and more assistance from those who are inter- ested in the work. While it may be devoted largely to horticultural or kindred subjects, yet no pains will be spared in sustaining its character of a popular scien- tific monthly. If the reader has not already subscribed, we would extend our in- vitation for him to do so at once. We would thank the many new subscribers who have sent in during our absence in Lower California. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 49 ROADRUNNERS CORRALLING RATTLESNAKES. Considerable doubt has existed as to whether this curious bird was an enemy to the rattlesnake or not. The following account of the roadrunner’s method of de- stroying a rattlesnake was given by one of the eye-witnesses to the novel affair, which would seem to remove all further doubt: The bird first attracted the snake’s attention, causing it to coil and take a de- fensive attitude, when it quickly and skillfully surrounded the dangerous coil with a formidable hedge of the jo nts of the common cholla cactus, When all was ready it tempted the snake to make the fatal strike, for in striking the snake hit against the hedge of cactus and inits writhing became completely covered in a few mo- ments with the tenacious joints. In this condition it of course was an easy prey to the wary roadrunner. The bird, after pecking out the snake’s brain, was seen to carefully strip the body of its horrible spiny winding sheet, and is supposed to have eaten it later. ——___@—___—_ A DOUBLE ORANGE. My attention has been lately called to an interesting variety of orange which has been for sale in this market [Cincinnati, O.,] said to have come from California. The fruit is about the size of a medium orange, with a slight swelling at the upper end. Dissection reveals a small orange almost completely enclosed in the skin of the large one. The core runs from the stem to about the center of the fruit, and is of about normal size. Then it expands, and for half of the remaining distance is more than twice its previous size. At this point is situated the small orange, This is composed of from seven to eight segments arranged as in the main orange. No seeds are found in the fruit, and itis sweet and juicy. This duplication of fruits was observed not in one orange alone, but in a whole box, and perhaps exists in more. At the upper or flower end of the fruit the skin does not wholly inclose the pulp, but exposes the segments of the smaller orange.—Jos. F, James, in Bot. Gazette, Apr. 1, 1886. ——__q——_—_——_——. There are some trees eminently fit to put next the sea to shelter others of greater value. In looking for the trees and shrubs fittest to plant along the shore, we find that several of the native Australian species are excellent. Fabricia loevi- gata forms a dense, evergreen hedge, and withstands the severest gales. The Mel- bourne Leader coasiders it the best tree for littoral planting. The Banksia littoralis and B, serrata come next in value for wind-break purposes. The Fabricia, however, is so easily transplanted and grows so fast that it should be tested in all the seaside towns and landings of California, Pine trees also often do well along the sea coast. Dr, Edward Tuckerman, professor of botany in Amherst college, died March 15. He was born in Beston December 7, 1817. His special study was lichens, upon which he was an eminent authority. \ 50 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. NOTES AND NEWS. The ‘Asa Gray Botanical Club’ was organized in Utica, N. Y., on Mch. 5. Petroleum has been rediscovered in Egypt in large quantities. —Union, May 19. A shark recently received at the Smithsonian had two sword fish swords in his head, : ‘Tidings from Nature’ has been sold to the publisher of the ‘Hoosier Nat-. uralist.’ A queen bee is the only live thing allowed by the U. S. postal authorities in the mails. Horned toads are frequently smuggled through, however. The air of different places seems to vary little in its proportion of oxygen and nitrogen, air lately brought from Cape Horn being about like that of France. Wn. Ireland, jr., has been commissioned by Gov. Stoneman as state mineral- ogist for four years, vice Henry G. Hanks, whose resignation took effect on May 31st. The captain of an Australian schooner, Mr. T. H. Griffiths, reports the setting fire of his vessel by a meteorite on Dec. 12th, while in latitude 23 degrees 53 minutes north and longitude 143 degrees 26 minutes west. No shock was felt, but two or more hot metallic pieces as large as a man’s hand were picked up. The botanic gardens of the world, most of them scientific in character, are re- . ported to number 197, of which Germany has 34, Italy 23, France 20, Great Britain and Ireland 12, West Indies 6, and the United States 5. More than half are sup- ported by government, and only five per cent by private enterprise. The ornamental Pisonia grandis of Australia has seeds like an elongated barley corn, whic are covered with a very sticky gum. This adheres to the legs and feathers of winged creatures coming in contact with it, and makes the plant a nat- ural bird-catcher, no less than a hundred birds having been known to be captured by one tree in Victoria. The precipitation method of treating sewage is to be adopted in London ona large seale. The sewage is left ia tanks and the separation cf the solid portion is hastened by the addition of lime and protosulphate of iron. The liquid becomes as clear as fresh water, and may be drained into the Thames; while the solid matter is to be pressed into blocks for transportation to the sea. The process has been tried experimentally for some months, but is now to be applied to 9,000,000 gallons of sewage daily. A writer in China claims to have discovered a record of the existence of a speak- ing phonograph in that country as far back as the seventeenth century. ‘The in- strument is mentioned as the ‘ thousand-li speaker,’ and the description is as foflows: ‘It was a bamboo tube covered with a disk of glass and opened by a key. After speaking into it several thousand words, it was closed and carried to a distance not exceeding a thousand li. On opening it and applying the ear, a voice was still dis- tinctly heard. If carried a greater distance the voice became indistinct’. Dr. Mac- gowan suggests that indistinctness might result from injury sustained by the appar- atus in a long trip over the rough roads. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 51 SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES OF CALIFORNIA. I.-—DIRECTORY. California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco: George Davidson, A. M., Ph. D., Pres.; S. B. Christy, Ph. D., Cor. See. California State Geological Society, San Francisco: Henry G. Hanks, Pres.; S. S. Heydenfeldt, jr., Sec. San Diego Society of Natural History: George W. Barnes, M. D., Pres.; Miss Rosa Smith, Cor. Sec. San Francisco Microscopical Society (P. O. box 1327): C. M. Kinne, Pres.; Charles W. Banks, Cor. Sec. Santa Barbira Society of Natural History: H. C. Ford, Pres.; Mrs. R. F. Bing- ham, Cor. Sec. Humboldt Society of Natural History, Arcata, Humboldt county: Carl C. Mar- shall, Sec. Ventura Society of Natural History, San Buenaventura: Stephen Bowers, Pres.; J. 8S. Collins, Sec. II.—PRocEEDINGS. San Francisco Microscopical Society. : Mar. 24, 1886. Resplendent rosette-shaped crystals of brucine, an alkaloid ex- tracted from the bark of Strychnos nux-vomica, were shown under polarized light. E. H. Griffith, of Fairport, N. Y., was present as a visitor, and presented the so- ciety a handsome ‘Griffith self-centering turn-table.’ A slide of the fossil deposit at Barbadoes was shown by Mr. Norris. It was noteworthy by reason of the large number of diatoms found, together with the poly- ceystina of which the Barbadoes deposits usually consist. Of the former, the discoid forms predominated. A most interesting demonstration of the capabilities of the Oxy-Hydrogen microscope was given by Edward W. Runyon, of the California College of Phar- macy, for which the society gave a unanimous vote of thanks. April 14. Communications—Dr. Henry Ferrer, on ‘Germs of typhoid fever,’ . accompanied by exhibitions of bacilli; Mr. Wickson, on a case of trichinosis, which proved fatal to a young German at Livermore, with an exhibition of specimens of Trichina spiralis; H. G. Hanks, on ‘The so-called ‘Inyo marble’ and California building stones in general.’ May 26. Dr. Stallard exhibited slides illustrative of arteritis, or imflammation of the arterial blood vessels. A letter was received from J. C. Rinnbock, of Vienna, enclosing specimens. Prof. Hanks offered a resolution, which was unanimously adopted, as follows: | Resolved, That the San Francisco Microscopical Society appoint a comm'ttee of three, and extend an invitation to all scientific societies in the state to appoint sim- ilar committees to meet in conference and consider the propriety of extending an invitation to the American Association for the Advancement of Science to hold their uenual meeting of 1887 in the city of San Francisco. 52 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. Ventura Society of Natural History. February 1, 1886. Gen. Vandever, on ‘ Evolution.’ » March 1. Mrs. R. W. Summers, on ° Alpine botany.” IMPORTANT TO HOUSEKEEPERS. It is perhaps not generally known that wool can be dissolved until nothing is left visible. John Ritchie, jr., has the following in Science Observer: ‘This melting of wool is indeed an instructive experiment, and is of: sufficient character to be shown even upon the platform.’ And the author then and there with an alkaline solution and hot water, into which he dropped the wool for three minutes, explained: ‘The wool disappears in the liquid, just as sugar does in your cotfee.’ A soap of wool alone is left, the fiber has disappeared. Mr. Ritchie then cautioned housekeepers to be careful in the use of soap pow- ders, as an indiscriminate use may dissolve out the wool from their clothing. —_____@—_—_— / HISTORY OF TELEGRAPHY. The 17th of last April was the centenary of Baron P. J. Schilling, the inventor of the electro-magnetic telegraph, born in Revel, Russia, 1786. His first experiments with copper wire as an electrical conductor were begun in 1810. In 1812 he successfully exploded a mine across the Neva by means of an elec- tric current. The same experiment was publicly repeated in 1814, on the Seine, at the triumphal entrance of the Russian Czar, Alexander the First, into Paris. In 1815 Baron Schilling bezan to investigate the action of electrical currents on a magnetic needle, and in 1820, after numerous experiments, he constructed the first electro-magnetic telegraph. The Czar Nicholas, inspecting the invention at the house of Baron Schilling, had writen on a piece of paper, ‘Je suis charme d@’avoir fait ma visite a M. Schilling,’ and the words were afterwards transmitted by telegraph without any mistake. In 1837 Baron Schilling received an imperial order to connect St. Petersburg and Cronstadt by a telegraph line; unfortunately the inventor’s untimely death— 26th of June (7th of July) of the same year—prevented the realization of this plan. Baron Schilling’s contemporaries, as it so frequently happens, were entirely un- able to appreciate his great invention; so, when explaining it before a scientific com- mittee, he proposed to hang the wires on poles, his plan was received with laughter and derision. ‘Your invention is pure nonsense, and your airy wires are truly ridiculous.’ Such was the answer from the scientific body.—Scientifie American. —__—__@————— The brain of a lioness has been dissected at Berne, and found to be in many re- spects intermediate between the dog’s and the cat’s brain. ———__@—_—_——- San Diego is enlightened evenings by the electric lamps now. MISCELLANEOUS. HAMILIGN VE. CO, San Diego, Cal. Dealers m General Merchandise. A SUPPLY SPORE Mor FARMERS AND FAMILIES. We handle the products of this County, and ask for orders for Honey, Beeswax, olives, San Diego Raisins, Oranges, Lemons, etec., ete. p you to more money right away than anything else in this world. All, of either sex, succeed from the first hour. The broad road to fortuue opens before the workers, ‘absolutely sure. At once address, TRUE & CO., Augusta, Maine. 900 000” presents given away. Send us5 cents postage, and by mail you will get free a package of goods of large value, that will start you in work that will at once bring you in money faster than anything else in America. All about the $200,000 in presents with each box. Agents wanted everywhere, of either sex, of all ages, for all the time, or spare time only, to work forus at their own homes. Fortunes for all workers absolutely assured. Don’t delay. H. HALLETT & CO., Portland, Maine. A GIFT Send 10 cents postage and we will mail yu free a royal, valuable, sample box of goocs that will put youin the way of making more money at once, than anything else in America. Both sexes of all ages can live at home and work in spare time, or all the time. Capital not required. We will start you. Immense pay sure for those who start at once. STINSON & CO., Portland, Maine. A PRIZE: Send six cents for postage aud receive free, a costly box of goods which will hel WANTED.—To purchase, Lepidoptera (Heterocera) from the West and South west. Add.ess, Dr. Chas. 8. McKnigh’, Saranac Lake, Franklin Co., New York.- MISCELLANEOUS. FOR SALE. Indian Relics, ancient ang modern, Fossils, especially fine Trilo- bites. Minerals, Sea Shells and Coral, Autographs, Confederate Money and Old State Bills, and all manner of curiosities. Send stamps for price lists. MERCER, 147 Cent. Ave. Cincinnati, 0. W. KROFF, REAL ESTATE, LOANS AND tJ. COLLECTIONS. San Diego, Cal. OHIN €. DALY, DEALER IN BOOKS AND STATIONERY. San Diego, Calif. BLACK HILES MENERARLS CHEAP. Thirty 1x1 labeled, postpaid, $1. ' Uranite, green, yellow incrustation, very beauti- ful, 50 cents to $1. “Bad Lands” fossils, Baculites, Scaphites, Am- | monites, Belamnites, Teeth, etc. Sioux Iudian Relics, Buckskin and War Imple- ments. Clear Quartz Crystals, 1 to 5 inch, 10 to 65 cents. L. W. STILWELL, Deadwood, D. T. THE SAN DIEGO UNION. DAILY AND WEEKLY. DOUGLAS GUNN, - - ~ PROPRIETOR. ee TPHE UNION was established in 1868. Until 187] it was published only once a week, when the daily edition was begun. THE DaILy UNION is published every morning except Monday. THE WEEKLY UNION is published every Thursday. THE SAN DirGco UNION is the oldest of the 41 news- papers published in Southern California. Of the 389 papers published in the State, 297 have been started since it began publication. It is more than five years older than 245 of the journals of California, and more than ten years the senior of 168 of them. fIt has a larger*bona fide circulation than any other newspaper published in Southern California. THE WEEKLY UNION A large, eight-page paper of fifty-six columns, circu- ates very largely abroad, as well asathome. It goes to nearly every family in the county, and its subscri- bers “stay with it,” It is conceded to be the best Cal- ifornia weekly published out of San Francisco. Both daily and weekly editions circulate largely through Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and con- tiguous territory. It has subscribers in thirty-five of the thirty-eight, States, and in six of the eight Terri- tories. in British Columbia, Canada, England, Scot- land, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the Sandwich Islands, China, Japan, and the Australian Colonies. The wide circulation, influen- tial position and representative ¢haracter of the paper are undisputed. Persons wishing accurate informa- tion respecting the Southern part of California should subscribe for THE UNION. Sample copies sent on ap- plication. TERMS: THE WEEKLY UNION. THE DAILY UNION. One Year, - - - - $300|One Year, - - - $1000 Six Months, - - - - 150/|Six Months, - - - 50 Three Months, - - - 75|Three Months, - - 2 50 One Month, - -- 25!QneMonth, - - - 10 Address THE UNION, San DIEGO, CAL. SEED | Imperial! German Consul. ANTED.—Californian Coleoptera in exchange for Eastern. C. W. Leng, P.O. box 3565, N.Y. Cc. R. ORCUTT San Diego. Cal. A. WENTSCHER, GENERAL COMMISSION, Forwarding and Shipping, Collected to eee Imported to Order SAN DIEGO, CAL Birds’ Eggs and Botanical Specimens Collected to order by J. W. PRESTON, P. O. Box 38;,. Baxter, Ia. Will spend the season in Northern Minnesota. Send for List of Sea Shetis-and Corals. CATLIFYORN LA SHELLS & CURLOSITIES.. SEA MOSS, FERNS, ETC. KE. W. FRICK & SONS, Fifth St., between Eand F, SAN DIEGO, CAL. The Botanical Atlas, A Guide to the Practical Study of Plants By D. M’Atping, F. C. 8., Lecturer on Botany, Edinburgh. Containing Representations of the Leading Forms ef Plant Life, with Practical Directions and Explanatory Text. For the use of Teachers aud Students. Divided into Cryptogams and Phanerogams, with 52 Full Colored Plates. Bound in two volumes, cloth. Price, $6.00 per volume. THE ZOOLOGICAL ATLAS, (Including Comparative Anatomy.) By D. M’ALPINE, F..C.S., Lecturer on Biclogy and Natural History, Edingburgh; author of ‘*The Botanical Atlas,’’ etc. With Practical Directions and Explanatory Text forthe use of Students. Containing 480 Colored Figures and Diagrams. Divided into Vertebrata and Invertebrata. Handsomely bound in cloth, with gilt edges. Two vols. Price $5.00 per vol. Sold by dealers, or THE CENTURY CoO., N. Y. DRY GOODS, ETC. GEO: W. MARSTON, HERBERT A. CHASE, FRANK A. STEPHENS, GEO. W. MARSTON & CO. DRY GOODS AND CARPETS, Men's Furnishings, Hosiery, Underwear. AGHNCY. OF: THE WHITE MACHINES —AND—— WANAMAKER’S TAILOR SUITS. Corner Fifth and F' Sts., San Diego. 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HALLETT BOOK CO., Portland, Maine. BULBS AND PLANTS. CONSOLIDATED NATIONAL BANK, Cor. Firra and G Sts., San Dieco, Cautir. CAPITAL PAIDUP - - - $100,000/SURLPUS FUND - - ~- - $16,000 % DIRECTORS. tig ooeaig HIRAM MABURY, J SMES M. PIERCE, BRYANT HOWARD President | GEO. A. COWLES, E. W. MORSE, } MESM. PIERCE. _” Vice-President | 0. S. WITHERBY, JAMES McCOY, GEO. W. MARSTON... oS ODE BRYANT HOWARD. Exchange on San Francisco, ey New York. London, Paris, and other Principal Cities of Europe and America bought and sold. F. R. Wetmore & Co., REAL ESTATE AGEN'TS, SAN DIEGO, CAL. HAVE THE FINEST FARMING LANDS, IN LARGE AND small tracts, suitable for every kind of Farming, Fruit Grow-— ing and Grazing, at from $5 to $1000 an acre. Large tracts, es- pecially suitabie for Capitalists and Colonies. Beautifully Improved Places In the choicest Valleys and on the finest Mesa (or table lands) where the Navel Orange, Sicily Lemon, Olives, Apricots, Necta- rines, Bananas, Mandarines, Prunes, Wine, Raisin and Table Grapes, and any and all Fruit and Grain can be raised in greater perfection than in any other part of Southern California. The best Business Lots and Blocks and choicest Residence Sites in San Diego, National City and elsewhere. We take charge of properties, pay taxes, Insurance, etc., for non-sesidents. MONEY TO LOAN IN ANY QUANTITY. At our offices can be found a complete record of all sales made, showing the market value of all properties. Correspondence solicited. Please mention this magazine. Vol, II. JULY, 1886. ; No. 17. ETLE. WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. C. R. ORCUTT, Epitor AND PUBLISHER. sertwier’*'< SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. + "tSzniee gs Entered at the Postoftice at San Diego, California, as Second-Class Mail Matter. TH E WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. [ESTABLISHED 1884.) _A monthly journal embracing all departments of science. Contributions will be welcomed from any quarter. Annual subscription in the Unitel States and Canada, $1.00 in advance, $1.25 if not paid in advance, postage prepaid. Foreign countries, -25 cents additional. Subscriptions may commence with any number of the current v.lume. A few copies of numbers 3 to 15 inclusive can b2 suppliel at 10 ceats each. Advertising rates on application. Inquiries cheerfully answered aid icformation furnished. Ifa written reply is ~ wanted, or the subject is not of general interest, some Seis ease will be ex- pected, or stamps should be enclosel. Any American or foreiga newspapers and magaziies sup; aed at the publishers’ lowest price. A discount where several are ordered together. The standard popular or technicil scient'fic works or other ag ks are also sup- plied. Address, THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST, San ‘Diego, California. T. M. BEESON, EALER IN Watches, Jewelry, Clocks, Silverware, Svettaetae Ete. Repairing done promptly, and in a workmanlike manner. Fifth Street, ketween G ani H, Dan Dieguv, Cal. James W. Queen & Co., OPTICIANS.) 924 CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELRHIA. MANUFACTURERS OF Microscopes and Uther Scientific Instruments &@ Sen for our abridged General Catalogue containing Jone list of our ten catalogues. #@ Send for our catalogue of second-hand and other micro:copes at reduced prices. @a #27 Send for sample copy of our microscopical Bul'etin. a {Mention this journal.] The West American Scientist. Vot. IT. . JULY, 1886. No. 17. A BOTANICAL TRIP. On the 30th of last March I and a companion left the city of San Diego with a two-horse team, a snug camping outfit and what provisions we expected to need during the next two or three months. Along the Tijuana, after crossing the U. 8. boundary into Lower California, we passed through extensive fields of alternate patches of blue, white, pink or yellow flowers, which are a peculiir feature in Cali- fornian landscapes in spring-time. Tall yuccas reared their stately heads of wax- like flowers among the bushes or on the open hillsides, lending a tropical beauty to the scene. On April fool’s day we left the old Wildcat station, passing through large fields of malva as high as our horses’ backs and cross over the rollling hills to Carisito, where we again pitch our tent in sight of the sombre black hills of the border which rose above us to the right. A little rain during the night made the beautiful meadows of green and gold glisten in the morning as we passed on to Valle de los Palmas—the Valley of Palms. On the adobe hills I again collected Heterodraba, an inconspicuous cruciferous plant that was first discovered in the same place in 1882. Spending but a short time in the valley, we entered the long and narrow can- yon leading out, following as best we could the single wagon tracks that led before, from which to deviate meant an impassable road. The road was largely under water and composed more or less of treacherous quicksands so that the greatest care was necessary to avoid a serious accident. Reaching solid ground at last we pitched our tent on a level plat covered with abundant feed for the wearied horses, and gave them several days for recruiting. Scutellaria tuberosa, a little labiate with blue and white flowers, was our only discovery here worthy of mention. Monday, the fifth, we leave our camp and Vallecito behind, camping near the fine Guadaloupe ranch of Messrs. Flower, for whom we kindly dispese of our can- teen twice full of milk—equivalent to four good sized pans full—before we bid them adieu. As my cousin and I are both from the old Green Mountain State, we are able to handle ‘ Lake Superior’ (leche pura) without any inconvenience. The river we found was impassable at the old ford, so crossing a field of mud further up the valley, we find a place where teams have settled the quicksands into a hard bottom, making it safe to cross. Singing ‘Glory, glory, hallelujah,’ with a 54 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. few variations suitable to the occasion, we enter our camp for the eighth night, beautifully situated in a grove of live oaks and by a clear running stream, in season to escape driving in the rain, which continues throughout the night and the follow- ing forenoon. In the afternoon of the 7th we proceed to Sauzal, where another suc- cessful raid on ‘ Lake Superior’ and hens’ nests is made. Spending April 8th in exploring the cypress canyon near by, revisiting the lo- cality of a new cushion cactus discovered in 1883, we make a few interesting ‘ finds,’ and then to camp, where a pleasant evening is passed ‘swapping lies’ with some of the old settlers. Among some of the interesting ‘ facts’ of a scientific character was an account of a ‘trout weighing a pound and eleven inches,’ a graphic sketch of the whales chasing men ashore up into trees and then kicking at them with their tails in the vicinity of Magdalena bay, a complaint of how difficult it was to raise potatoes in the region on account of the ababones* coming ashore in the night and digging and eating them, with the statement that abalones preferred potatoes to wheat, and various disquisitions on the flea, mosquito, bed-bug, bear and other noxious insects. The company would have entertained any scientific audience with their original ob- servations of nature. The 9th of April we pass through Encenada, and along the shores of All Saints bay, by magnificent fields of the golden California poppy, phacelias, layia elegans, orthocarpus, baerias, larkspurs, platystemon and other delicate annuals and perennials which lent an added charm to the beautiful view of land and sea that was spread out before us on every hand. An-1 thus for mile after mile we alternately contemplate the rich garden of flowers and the beautiful scenery. On the morning of the 10th a deer looks in upon us in the early twilight, and as silently vanishes from our sight. Find a few flowers of the pungent spice-bush, ptelea aptera. A noted botanist tasted of the ptelea in 1850, and upon seeing the shrub again (in 1883) remarked that he could ‘ taste it yet ’"—but he did not seem to choose to do so! Breakfasting on pinoche (hard cakes of sugar made by Mexicans, resembling maple sugar somewhat) and pickles, we bid good-by to another camp and travel up the La Grulla canyon till we reach a fine camping ground by dwarf live oak trees (the last we are to see till we return) and clear running water. Se- lecting a place where our heads will lie down hill and the water can run into the tent, we make camp. Without an elaborate breakfast and no dinner, our supper of griddle cakes and melted pinoche was quite welcome. Saxifraga reflexa and Habe- naria cooperi were found near by camp, and were the most important discoveries made betwe n the showers, which continued during Sunday and Monday. However, the 12th we break camp, pass Santo Tomas, and collect a new Isoetes with Pilularia Americana in a little temporary lagoon which we find among the hills beyond. Also re-collect the tetracoccus in full flower. The 13th, fix the roads some, collect numerous gold ferns and notholaenas and then ride in the rain to Gua laloupe ranche number two, where we were hospitably treated by the Senora Moreno and her son and daughters, and succeed in drying *The abalone is a large mollusk nearly as incapable of motion as the oyster, we would state for the benefit of those unacquainted with it. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 55 ourselves off before partaking of an excellent dinner of corn bread, succotash, beef and coffee. A sewing machine, table, rocking-chair, a good stove and other con- veniencies testified to their enterprise, which became more apparent when we reached the next ranch, where we found the owner surrounded by a pack of Indians —all drunk! The 14th find an opportunity to send a letterhome. The roads were found to consist either of a wash where the brush had been cleaned away by the rains, or of a couple of rabbit tracks running parallel to each other; when one track diverges from the other, then there are two roads, each leading differently, as we found to our sorrow. Many of the houses are made of mustard stalks tightly bound to a framework of poles, often forming only a circular corral, sometimes only two feet high and without a roof, but the more pretentious residences of the natives were square and provided with a roof. The discoveries of the day consisted of a new species of cereus and Chorizanthe Fernandina, which kept us company on the rest of the trip south, with a beautiful new dalea (D. Seemanni, Watson, n. s. p.) which was just coming into flower on the hillsides near Sin Rafael ranch. April 15th we s e acres of Parry’s wild rose, which was also found as for south as the trip extended. Everywhere agave Shawii is to ke seen, and under the dead trunks of several I was delighted to find a few specimens of the island binneya no tabilis, an interesting looality for this snail. Just before reaching the San Telmo canyon I saw the last of Arctostaphylos bicolor, adenostoma fasciculatum and other northern shrubs. At San Telmo we met Mr. Hyde, an American who has lived in this region for the last twenty years, and learn that the San Ramon creek that is before us is impassable, owing to the melt- ing of the snow on the great San Pedro. Martia mountain having filled it to the banks. Consequently we go down the canyon till about nine miles from the sea and prepare to camp for a few days till the swollen river becomes agaiu passable. Our camp was near the mouth of the large canyon, with steep banks on either hand, and a large creek of clear water flowing through and numerous deep pools of an inviting aspect to bithers. A new phacelia (P. hirtuosa, Gray) was the first stranger to ‘attract my atten- tion here, as I wandered amoig the agaves and cactuses, and among the rocks where cotton ferns, Notholaena California and others grew in great luxuriance. Nearly all the familiar plants which I find in the canyons near San Diego, such as collinsia bi- color, Parry’s phacelia, mimulus brevipes, krynitzkias, chaenactis, galiums, poly- carpon depressum, porophyllon gracile and numberless others were found in abun- dance and of a luxurious growth during the few days spent in this camp. In roaming about it was not long before the beautiful red and white bladders of an interesting plant, which forms the type of the new genus Harfordia described re- cently by Dr. Parry, attracted my attention among the small bushes on the hillsides where the s!ender stems climbed up to sunlight, and as I became better acquainted with what was not a total stranger, since I had been previously introduced to a frag- ment by Dr. Parry and earnestly exhorted to seek a further acquaintance, I found the sterile, bushy little plants growing openly by themselves among the rocks, not seeking the support which the slenderer, twining female plants required. 56 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. Another interesting discovery was here made, Saccularia veatchii, or as it is more properly called, Galvesia junceum, which I recognized at once from the col- ored plate published in Bulletin No. 3 of the Calif. Acad. Sci. The 19th of April we leave this interesting locality and drive along near the ocean beach on a broad mesa, which, from the presence of agaves, Emory’s cereus, and sphaeralcea, resembled the mesa south of the monument between the U. 8S. and Mexico. Franseria chenopodifolia, Rosa minutifolia and Harfordia were all promi- nent along the beach and southward in places. A white form ,of gilia dianthoides was also abundant, and rattlesnakes became rather too much so to suit Frankenia Palmeri, layia elegans, abronia umbellata and numerous oth2r species common at San Diego were found abundant here and also further south, beautifying the other- wise long and dreary drive of thirty miles to the San Ramon creek, where we.pitched our tent for our 21st night. Here I discover a couple kinds of minute shells, pupas, and a few helices. The next day we cross the creek, which had so far receded as to be scarcely over our horses feet, making the offered help from Mr. Hyde unnecessary. A band of cattle had been previously drivea across, which had settled the sands sufficiently to make it safe crossing. In company with Mr. Hyde, we start for his San Quentin ranch, Santa Maria, and drive over ten leagues of the best road we had seen south of the line of equal extent. Trees and shrubbery of all kinds, seemed to have disap- peared. Only a single cluster of baccharis and another of rhus laurina were seen south of the creek along the whole road. The tall stems of Cereus Schottii shot up in a few spots, chollas were common—and little black flies also. The big mountain east was white with snow. Meet a wagon—the first for many days. Find Echino- cactus Emoryi abundant, with its beautiful red or purple flowers in great profusion. Find a few plants of pholisma arenarium, an abundance of pogogyne serpylloides, mimulus inconspicuous, and a few San Diego plants around a large lagoon of fresh water near the hills, where I shoot another rattlesnake. Mosquitoes plenty. April 22d, we start with a blanket, a small quantity of provisions and our horses—bareback—to explore a neighboring canyon, leaving our wagon at Sta. Maria. Discover the giant columnar cactus, or cardon, as it is known to the Mexi- cans, which proves to be the Cereus Pringlei, lately described from Sonora. Yucca Whipplei was also in magnificent flower. Several species of Astragalus were found on the plains—a genus of which the entire region seems prolific in species. Near the mouth of the canyon I found the blue palm, a tall tree laden with fast-ripening fruit, and numerous younger palms, but all Erythea armata, though it is said that another species of palm is found in this canyon. This canyon proved a rich locality, and though it was too late and dry to find any of the delicate annuals that would be characteristic of the country, yet it yielded a variety of nice perennials. A simple list of some of the species collected or observed will be of interest to botanists: Viguiera Parishii, Gymnogramme triagularis, Mentzelia multiflora, Rhus laurina, Eucnide cordata, Hyptis Emoryi, Phaseolus filiformis, Nemophila racemosa, THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 57 Solanum Hindsianum, Ellisia Torreyi, var. Orcuttii, Coldenia Palmeri, Delphinium cardinale, Encelia farinosa, Lycium sp., Achyronychia Cooperi, Abutilon Lemmonii, Pentstemon Palmeri, Abutilon Newburyi (?), Lyrocarpa Palmeri, Agave Shawii. Return to Santa Maria on the 23d, and stay over the 24th and 25th to recruit up. On the 25th we wake up only to find the coyotes have cut the picket ropes and let our horses loose, but fortunate.y they are found for us late in the afternoon of the next day. } The 27th of April we leave Santa Maria early, driving on the ocean beach to a place called Socorro, some twelve miles distant, where a small fresh-water lagoon empties into the sea, Thousands of Indians are said to have resided at this place in former years, but no‘ a vestige remains at the present day. At Socorro we found a few lichens, shells, a young palm tree, and various nice plants of which I will mention Dalea Seemannii, Nemacaulis nuttallii and a variety, Asculus Parryi, Euphorbia micromera, drymaria viscosa, n. sp., Astragalus Hornii, A. Menziesii, a new cotyledon, a hosackia, Biscutella Californica, Oenothera crassifolia, etc. The 29tn leave Socoiro, follow the mesa along the ocean beach for nearly twenty miles, and up a long valley without water or trees until we reach a high table land covered with numerous agaves, or maguey plants, as they are calied. This entire mesa we found strewn with the dead shells of helix levis and stearnsiana, and occa- sionally a living shell under the agaves. A curious lichen, Eriogonum scalare (just coming into flower), Oenothera cardiophylla and Astragalus Nutta lianus were among the plants of interest which made an appearance during the day’s drive. Deseending from this mesa we reached the valley where the old mission of Rosario lies in ruins, surreunded by quite a settlement of perhaps a dozen houses. As it was getting late we were obliged to stop at last near the old mission ruins, without getting good feed for the horses; but the next morning we changed camping grounds for a better location where abundant alfilleria was found, though too scattered to be called good feed. The bells at the old mission were dated 1738 and 1800 respectively. A little building that formed a part of the former mission contained the Catholic images, banners, pictures, beads, and various other regalia for feast days and other occa- sions. May day found me climbing the hills around, gathering the fruit of the mamill- aria cactus, which has a pleasant flavor like tha; of the wild wood strawberries such as I used to hunt in old Vermont, turning over agave stumps in the vain hope of finding more shells, and picking a supply of such flowers as came in my way. Fouquiera splendens was found with its beautiful crimson flowers, a curious Nem- acladus was discovered in a seemingly precarious situation where it was scarcely obtainable, owing to the steepness of the bank where it grew, and chorizanthe fim- briata, chorizanthe procumbens, chorizanthe Lastarriaea, calandrinia maritima, various krynitzkias and a yj erityle were found. The day was rendered memorable to my companion by his learning how to milk 58 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. —a Mexican cow! Briefly, it required the services of a man, a woman and a boy, a rope, a cow, acalf andacorral. The process was repeated twice and the result from the two cows pr:sented to us in compensation fora Mexican bit. A fresh sup- ply in the morning consamed the day—or rather we consumed the day consuming the leche pura. Willows, elders, and other northern shrubbery grew along the watercourse in the valley—said to be the last to be found in the peninsula in going south. On the dryer lands in the valley we found various kinds of acacias, one of them, Acacia Farnesiana, emitting a very strong fetid odor upon being cut, so strong at first as to be almost unbearable. Engaging a boy wit'1a pony, for a guide, at 50 cents a day, we proceeded toward San Fernando mission on the 3d of May, leaving Rosario valley behind. The country began to show unm’'stakable desert characteristics. Trees and shrubbery a e not, water has leaked out, and only rattlesnakes and eactus seem to remain. Four or five unfamiliar species of chollas (opuntias) were found. Eehinocactus Em- oryi was measured and found to be eight feet from the base to the summit of the stem. Giant columnar cactuses, Cereus Pringlei, stood out promin:ntly on every side, some as much as thirty feet in height, and other cactuses like the cordwood cactus, the cochal, Schott’s cereus, etc., were in abundance. The wild date or ‘datiles’ a giant yucca some thirty feet in height and two feet or more in diameter near the base of the trunks, here makes its most northern appearance in the penin- sula. Notwithstanding the dry state of everything, some few nice things were found along the bottom of the dry arroyo; most of interest of all was a new species Chitonia simplicifolia, Watson, a small shrub that grew along the sides of the wash. Hyptis Emoryi, a new Euphorbia, various composite plants, verbena ciliata, etc., were the most prominent discoveries. This day’s journey brought us practically to the head of navigation with a team. Wagons have been a day’s journey beyond, but not very recently, and the road was said to be impassable at the time. Scarcity of water and total lack of feed for the horses tur :ed us northward at the dawn of another day, and reluctantly I bid good- by to the cereo (Fouquiera gigantea) whose acquaintance I hal but just made. This curious tree, which we found on this list .day’s drive southward in the greatest abundance (-lescribed in the West AMERICAN SCIENTIST, li, 48), was one of the most characteristic and interesting discoveries made on the whole trip. It forms the fifth well-marked species of an anomalous Mexican genus. The last object to be remembered in this interesting region was a tall Echino- cactus or turk’s head cactus, standing beneath a large cereo, the entire side covered with the climl ing stems of Harfordia and ornamented freely with the bright and delicately tin‘ed bladder-like fruit, a vision of beauty in the desert not soon to be forgotten. C. R. ORCUTT. The attention of medical men in France has been directed to a new sleep-pro- ducing drug called hypnone, a distilled mixture of acetate of lime with benzoate of lime. Itis claimed that the new drug produces none of the unpleasant after symp- toms of o_ ium. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 59 NOTES AND NEWS. Rev. E. L. Greene is botanizing on the Santa Barbara Islands. The June number of this journal was issued rather late,—on July 1st. The fll of a meteor on ice was lately witnessed on the coast of Norway, a hole a foot and a half in diameter being made through eight inches of ice. A gradual increase in the average size of the skull among the natives is be- lieved by a Bombay physician to be taking place as an effect of civilization in India. A French botanist, M. Buysman, has enumerated 378 species of plants growing in Greenland, and he finds that they resemble those of Lapland more than those of the American continent. The schools of Austria have been forbidden using paper ruled in square or diag- onal lines, as such paper has been found to injure the eyesight of pupils. In future paper only plain or ruled straight across is to be used. A novel gas-light, devised by Dr. Auer, has been in operation in a chemical ‘laboratory in Vienna. A cotton wick, saturated with an incombustible metal solu- tion, is introduced into the flame of an ordinary Bunsen lamp, the result being a -light similar to the incandescent electrie light. Attention has been called to the fact that the streams in certain cultivated por- tions of northern Texas now run during the part of the of the year when they were formerly dry. This is not attributed to any change in the rainfall, but to a more even absorption of water over the cultivated areas. In Japan, according to a government report, 553 earthquakes occurred during the nine and a half years preceding December, 1884. The record is evidently in- complete, however, as Prof. Melne has been able to trace an average of an earth- quake a day in Nagasaki, in the extreme south of Japan. Dr. C. C. Parry characterizes a new genus of Eriogonae, in Proc. Davenport Acad. Nat. Sci., V. 26-28. The type is the Lower California Pterostegia macrop- tera, of Bentham, aud the genus is given the name of Harfordia in honor of Mr. W. G. W. Harford, the efficient curator of the California Acad. Sci. An ingenious astronomical theory is that of Mr. Monck, of Dublin, who sug- gests that as shooting stars are known to be dark bodies rendered luminous for a short time by rushing through our atmosphere, new stars are dark or faintly lumi- nous bodies which acquire a short-lived brilliancy by rushing through some of the gaseous masse —visible, perhaps, as nebule—which exist in space. A member of the London Microscopical Society has described a case illustrating the value of the microscepe as a detective agent. Fraudulent additions were mae to a bond, and the ink being darker than the original the forger traced over the whole writing to give it a uniform shade. Under the microscope the diffcrence be- tween the original and the added portion was clearly discovered and the forgery established. 60 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. CALIFORNIA DIAMONDS. For a period of more than thirty years the placer miners of California have oc- casionally picked up small diamonds. The hydraulic washings at Cherokee, Butte county, have been the most prolific. The diamonds are usua ly found by the min- ers when cleaning up their sluices or while washing off the bed rock, though in some few instances they have been picked up on the surface. As a general thing the gravel in which they occur is mixed with lava, ashes, or other volcanic matter; zir- con, platinum, iridium, magnetite, etc., being associated wi hthe diamonds. While many of these stones have been of goo color, brilliant and perfect none weighing over 35 carats have been found in th> s‘ate. In size they have ranged usually from about h:lf a carat down to stones of microscopic dimensions, the latter being numer- ous in a few localities. So far as known $500 is the highest price for which any Cal- ifornia diamond in the rough has been sold, though large numbers have found pur- chasers at prices ranging from $10 to $50, and not a few at as much as $100. The stones have been of all colors, white, yellow, straw, and rose, ani many of good wa- ter. A few small diamonds have been found also in the placer diggings of Idaho, being of about the same quality and occurring under the same conditions as in Cali- fornia. In neither region have diamonds been made the object of special search, those found having been picked up by miners while washing gravel for gold. Frag- ments of diamonds have been noticed in the tailings from the quartz mills, being the remains of stones which have been broken under the stamps.[—C. G. Yale, in ‘‘Pre- cious Stones.” —————— CORUNDUM. This mineral has long been used in the arts as a preferable substitute for emery. Its scarcity, and the expense of mining, has prevented its extensive use for the or- dinary purposes to which emery is adapted by reason of its abundance. Corundum is crude sapphire, and in hardness ranks highest of all minerals excepting the dia- mond. Its use for grindiag wheels is in great demand, the superior quality of these over emery whee's having been demonstra‘ed for nearly every purpose. It re- quires an extreme degree of heat to fuse the mineral. and grinding wheels made of it are said to be subjected to fully 3,000 degrees, in the process of solidificition. This imparts a capacity of resistance to centrifugal force not attained in any process of making up emery wheels, beside adding materially to the hardness of cutting quality of the wheel. Shieh ADEE SET In some of the English collieries experiments have been made with ‘ water car- tridges,’ in which the gunpowder of the charge is completely surrounded by water. It is stated that no flame followed the explosions, even when heavy blasts were made. The water cartridge and ordinary gunpowder cartridges were fired in bags of coal-dust, the dust being ignited by the latter, while the former simply dispersed it in a dark cloud mixed with steam. The new cuirtridges are expected to render great service in mines where fire-damp is present. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 61 [ Correspondence. ] ON LOWER CALIFORNIA LAND SHELLS. June 26th, 1886. My Dear Mr. OrcurtT : Thanks again for shells sent with yours of 16th. The Binneya is, indeed, the notabilis. The genus has been described from Mexico as Xanthonyx, and, before seeing your shells, I thought you might have stumbled on a Mexican species. Your discovery of this genus in Lower California is a very happy one, throwing light upon the presence of Binneya on Santa Barbara Island. Hitherto the nearest point of finding the genus was the Mexican island of Guadalupe. I supposed it was brought thence to Sta. Barbara by birds. Now we may suppose the same agency has been at work, but from the more neighboring Lower California. At all events, it appears that the Cali ornia islands have been peopled from the Mexican fauna. The larger Pupa is chordata, Pfr.—a species before known only from Mazatlan, as far as my knowledge goes. I have drawn your specimens by camera lucida, in case you want a figure. They are less attenuated at the apex, and have more whorls than the individual figured in Land and Fresh Water Shells of N. A., I. On second thought, I send you my camera sketches. Keep them. The ofther Lower California Pupa I have not yet identified. It requires to do so a great deal of eyesight, which I prefer keeping for our own molluscs. Then, again, I have not kept au courant of late years with Mexican species. I advise your sending the shell to H. Crosse, 25 rue Tronchet, at Paris. The San Diego Pupa does not seem to me arizonensis, and I cannot spare eyes to determinate it. In my books are enlarged views of the described species of Pupa, by means of which and a pocket lens you can readily make this out. I detest Pupa and Succinea above all things conchological. I give you a camera lucida drawing of the outline of your shell—the aperture was still unfinished when the tube of my microscope slid down on the shell and smashed it, much to my delight. Helix levis, Pfr., sent by you, is surely that species, though it may be a variety of areolata. I have drawing of jaw, tongue and gentalia at your disposal, if you want them. The jaw is like that of Arionta. There are five distant, robust ribs, denticulating either margin: jaw arched, little attenuated, blunt. Lingual mem- brane with 38-1-38 teeth, as in Stearnsiana, etc. Genital system quite like what I have figured (Terr. Moll., V) for Tryoni in general arrangement. The accessory organ, probably dart sac, in levis is longer, and only the thread-like organ attached to its base was detected by me, not the sponge-like process (1 in my figure of Tryoni), but I may have overlooked that. Now for H. Stearnsiana. The species was originally found by Gabb under stumps of maguey from Santo Tomas to Rosario. It corresponded with your 1321, which has the same genitalia as I have described for Stearnsiana, but this is nega- tive evidence. I think all the shells you send are forms of the same species, which 1 have always found variable in Lower California—but I am not infallible, and what to me seems varietal difference, to you may appear specific distinction, and you may be as near rightasI. Still, I think most conchologists would agree with 62 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. me. Of course, I recognize a different look in 1321 from the others. Yours very truly, W. G. BINNEY. [We give the following brief notes as a supplement to the above interesting let- ter from Mr. Binney, the well known authority on American land shells: Glyptostoma newberryanum was found alive under dead plants of a species of Cotyledon in a canyon near Todos Santos bay, Lower California, but was not found further south. Macrocyclis sportella, a carnivorous snail, and Arionta tudiculata were both found among the hills of Lower California near the United States boundary, but were not seen further south. Arionta traskii was found as far south as Santo Tomas, where it is quite large, and slightly resembling the depressed variety found in the mountains back of San Diego. In this connection I would say that Arionta carpenteri, of the Coronado islands, near San Diego, seems to be unworthy of spe- cific or even varietal rank from a careful examination of numerous specimens of it and A. traskii. Four living individuals of Binneya notabilis, and one or two dead shells, were found under decaying trunks of the maguey (Agave shawil) at an elevation of a few hundred feet among the hills north of San Quentin bay, Lower California, during last April. Scarcity of water and feed in that locality prevented a careful search for others. My catalogue number 1320, Helix levis, Pfr., was found in great abundance under the trunks and among the leaves of Agave Shawii, on a high mesa near Ro- sario, Lower California. Numerous examples of what I considered the typical Ar- ionta stearnsiana, a mottled and elevated shell, were found with levis, and a few of another unmottled depressed species (number 1321) which seemed more closely re- lated to Arionta tudiculata in appearance. No. 1322, Pupa chordata, Pfr., was found by the thousand under clusters of Rocella leucophoea, a foliaceous lichen that grew in abundance on the bare salt lands along the ocean beach, both north and south of San Quentin bay. Another species, (number 1323) was found with it but in much less abundance. Succinea oregonensis, Vertigo ovata (?) and a species of Limax form the only other terrestial mollusk; which I have fotnd in Lower California north of the 31st degree north latitude, much of which, however, still remains to be searched. The San Diego Pupa seems to be Gabb’s hordeacea. It was found under yuccas on the mesa back of S.n Diego.—Ep. ] es Mr. S. Haley, of Los Angeles, who was Captain of the ‘“‘Sea-bird” in 1856, men- tions the occurrence in that year of an earthquake in Japan which caused a. tidal wave that in less than three days struck the California coast, destroying twenty-:ix vessels along our shores. The waters of San Diego bay rose over twelve feet above high-water mark. Another Pacific coast society is the ‘ Historical Society of Southern California,’ at Los Angeles; Major Isaac Kinley, Pres.; Prof. J. C. Oliver, Sec. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 63 MOLLUSKS OF SAN DIEGO.—IY. The Mitridae family is represented on our coast by a single species of the genus Mitra (M. maura, Swains), dead shells of which are often washed ashore on the ocean beiches. It is a deep water shell and possesses a smooth black epidermis. The shell attains a length of two inches or more, is fusiform in shape, and is quite solid. The shells of Marginellidz are porcellaneous, polished, usually smooth or with longitudinal ribs, covered by the mantlelobes of the animal and devoid of epider- mis, thus resembling externally the cowries and olives. Erato has a short, conical, distinct spire and linear aperture, Both of our San Diego species, vitellina (Hds.), and columbella (Mke.), are quite rare; the former rather more than a half-inch long, and dull reddish-brown above; the latter usually less than a fourth of an inch long and of a delicate brown, greenish or flesh-color, and with a more prominent spire than vitellina. Our marginellas are all minute and probably abundant on sea-grass or algae at certain seasons. Carpenter’s regularis has been found abundant but his slizhtly larger subtrigona has not as yet been found so. The minute Volutella pyriformis, Cpr., has also been found on sea-grass in the bay of San Diego. The pret ily-marked Vol- varina varia, of Sowerby, is found abundantly beneath rocks partially imbedded in shell sand, in company with other small shells, ophiurans, and other marine animals. 1t is about three lines long, of a delicate flesh-color and irregularly marked with wide or narrow bands of reddish-brown. The Olividae are mainly tropical, brilliantly colored, solid, and smooth, polished shells without epidermis. The well-known and beautiful tent shell, the rice shells of the West Indies, and many others are familiar to many who are not conchologists, and valued for their great beauty. The only members of this family on our coast, are olivella boetica, a small slender shell, a half inch long, with grayish markings, and the familiar ‘Indian money shell ’ of the Pacific coast, Olivella biplicata, alarger, thicker shell (an inch long and 3 inch in diameter), varying in color from white to black, but usually of a purple tint and stained with brown. Columbella fuscata, a single specimen of which was found on sea-grass in the bay of San Diego, is an extra-limital species of the sub-tropical family, Columbel- lidae. Our other members of this family are small and mostly inconspicuous. As~ tyris carinata, and its variety Hindsii, are found abundantly on sea-grass during the spring near the entrance to our bay, and are very variable in form and coloring. As- tyris tuberosa is often found washed up along the bay shores, but not alive. Ana- chis subturrita is another small shell found among oyster shells on wharf-piles, and probably elsewhere, below low-water mark. The last of this family to be mentioned is a species of Amphrissa (A. versicolor), a genus peculiar to West America. ‘The shell is about a half inch long, slightly in- flated, strongly corrugated and very variable in color, usually grayish or more or less marked with brown or of a bright red throughout. It is found with Volvarina and is not rare. The terebras are known by their long, narrow, many-whorled shells, with small aperature, notched in front, and no true columellar plaits. Carpenter’s Myurella 64 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. simplex, abundant at low water on the sandy shores of San Diego bay, is the’ only shell found in our waters of this mostly tropical family (Terebridae), of which the well-known ‘marlin spike,’ is a member. The nearly related family of Pleurotomidae, of world-wide distribution, is well represented at San Diego by Carpenter’s Drillia moesta, D. inermis, Maugilia angu- lata and Mitromorpha filosa. The great family of cones (Conidae), characterized by the thick shell with the whorls enrolled upon themselves, by the short or not elevated spire and the nar- row elongated aperature with parallel margins and truncated at base, are principally inhabitants of the equatorial seas. Conus Californicus, of this coast, grows to the length of an inch or more, and is covered with a coarse dark-brown epidermis. We now come to the large tropical and subtropical cowry family, represented in California by the beautiful nut-brown cowry, Cypraea spadicea, and the much admired ‘bug-shells’ or trivia. The trivias are easily distinguished by the striae extending over the back of the small cowry-like shell. The larger San Diego trivia is named Solandri, and the smaller, Californica. The latter is sometimes called the * Cotfee-bean shell,’ from its rich brown color, shape and size. The Naticidae, or sea-snail family, are characterized by the globular or oval shell with usually short spire, semilunar aperture without canal or anterior notch, sharp outer lip and the callous columellar lip more or less reflected over the umbilicus. Lunatia Lewissii, Gld., is our largest species of which dead shells are often washed up on the ocean beaches. This subgenus of Natica has a corneous operculum while the next sub-genus has a horny one. Neverita recluziana, Petit, is the large snail gen- erally credited with forming the curious sand ribbons when depositing its eggs. These sand or sea ribbens, or as they are sometimes called, the sand saucers—from their resemblance to the rim of a saucer with the bottom knocked out, are abundant along our bay and ocean shores at certain seasons (in the winter and spring) in shal- low depressions in the mud and sand. Something more definite about them would be desirable. The shell of this species is two or three inches across, the reflected white columellar lip complete'y covering tke umbilicus; the inside of the aperture partly of a rich brown. Sigeretus debilis, very rare at San Diego, more abundant south, is a much smal- ler, white, ear-shaped shell with revolving striae and is much more delicate than the. last, but stouter than the next shell requiring mention, a recently described species of Lamellaria, named Lamellaria diegoensis by Mr. Dall, in Proc. U. 8. Natl. Muse- um, 1895, p. 538. The animal of Lamellaria diegoensis is much larger than the thin and fragile shell which is completely concealed by the soft parts when living. It has been found at San Diego and at Cape San Lucas. Lop ts be The metric system of weights and measures which was adopted in many labor- atories when first introduced, is said to be rapidly losing ground, having been the cause of some serious errors. The fact that the misplacement of a single dot will turn a comparatively harmless dose of medicine into a deadly poison bears strongly against it. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 65 FELDSPAR. The different minerals belonging to the feldspar group are composed of silica, alu- mina, and soda, lime, o1 potash. They are distinguished from ether minerals by their perfect cleavage in two directions, leaving faces that are smooth and reflect the light with a peculiar flash. They are harder than limestone and softer than quartz, which two they most resemble, and are not decomposed rap’ my by hydrochloric acid and with effervescence like limestone. The more common white varieties are mined and used extensively in the arts, and the decompesition of feldspathic rocks results in clay used from time immemo- wial in the manufacture of pottery.. The Boston “Journal of Cemmerce,” mentioning some of the more precious kinds, says: ‘Amazon stone is a bluish green variety of the common kind of feld: spar called ertheclase. In composition it is a silicate af alumina and potash. It is an opaque stone with a semewhat pearly Instre, and a hardness of 6, or 6.5, just be- low quartz. It is quite brittle, but takes a good polish. It was first di.covered on the banks of the Amazon, from which circumstance it takes its name. It is found at Lake Baikal, in Siberia, and Pike’s Peak, Colorado; also in North Carolina, and Mt. Desert, Me. Moonstone, or adularia, agrees in composition and hardness with Amazon stone. It has a pearly or silvery reflection not unlike that of the moon, from which it takes its name. It belongs to the cheaper grade of gems, though in some parts of Europe it has at times been much esteemed. The finest specimens come from Ceylon. It is found in this country at Medina, Penn., and in Virginia. Sunstone is like moonstone in composition and hardness. It is of a yellowish color, reflecting sparkles of light in various directions, owing to minute particles of iron oxide which are disseminated through it. It is found in Siberia, Norway, Cey- lon, and in the United States in the same localities as moonstone. It is also called adventurine feldspar. Labraderite, or Labrador spar, is a variety of feldsparof various shades, the kind used in jewelry having a rich blue color. In composition it is a silicate of alumina, lime and seda, with a hardness of 6. It is remarkable for its beautiful play of col- ors, and its sparkling reflections, like aventurine feldspar. Though generally blue, green, yellow and red kinds are not uncommon, sometimes pearly gray. Labrador- ite was first found on the coast of Labrador, toward the latter part of the last cen- tury, but has since been discovered in Norway, Sweeden, Russia, Canada, and in this country in New York, Pennsylvania, and various other places.’ Satin ceed The curious and remarkable discovery is reported that a South American shrub called ‘aliza,’ exudes a juice which acts so powerfully in stopping flows of blood that when a knife is smeared with it and used for surgical operations, the largest vessels may be severed without any hemorrhage. ne ee A scorpion was placed in confinement in a well ventilated tin can on the 26th of May, and lived without food till about the 29th of June. 66 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. (Wrftten for the West American Scientist. ] ALGAE. O, these delicate ocean gifts, These children of the sea, That sleep among the dash ng waves, As beau'iful and free. When cast upon the sandy beach, We gather them with care, Admire their beauty and their grace, And hidden glories rare. But their own secrets long they kept, Of Nature’s wondrous ways; Th-ir fruzt unknown ’till science came, With microscopic gaze. Algae, breath of the bounding sea, Refreshment find we here, To charm the heart and please the eye, Enlarging beauty’s sphere. Nor blooms a spray on sea or land, ~ With glowing life and fair, But gives a hint that we may trust Its Author’s loving care. San Diego, California. KE. E. INDIAN ARROW POINTS OF OREGON. Mr. H. C. Stevens, of Oregon City, Oregon, since 1878, has personally handled 35,000 fine arrow points, peculiar to Oregon, and fully 50,000 in all have been found by different persons. Before 1878 perhaps an equal number were found. Fully $3,000 have been realized on these in cash since 1878. At present few are found, except after a heavy freshet and overflow of the river banks, where the greater num- ber have been found. These points at times represent the highest examples of sav- age stone c1lpping, and are really so often gem materials that the demand for them as articles of jewelry is not surprising. The prices range from $1 to $2.50 each for the finer ones, which are usually made of rock crystal, flesh colored, red, yellow. brown or mottled jasper, obsidian, cr various colors of chalcedony. They are prin- cipally sold in the east, scarcely any being sold in Oregon for jewelry. They are not made by the present Indians of Oregon.—[Geo. F. Kunz in ‘ Mineral resources of the United States.’ k atiathe: A soln The editor of the ‘Southern Geologist’ haa been obliged to suspend its publica, tion owing to other business requiring his whole attention. THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 67 OUR IGNORANCE OF MEXICO. Although geographically near, and having been in commercial relations with the rest of the world for ever three hundred and fifty years, there is probabiy less known to-day about Mexico than of almost any other country claiming to be civil- ized; certainly not as much as concerning Egypt, Palestine or the leading States of British India; and not any more than concerning the outlying provinces of Turkey, the states of Northern Africa, or the seaport districts of China and Japan. It is doubtful furthermore, if as larg? a proportion as one in a thousand of the fairly ed- ucated men of the United States or of Europe could at once, and without reference to an encyclopedia, locate and name the twenty-seven states or politi al divisions into which the Republic of Mexico is dividel, or so many of its towns and cities as have a population in exc ‘ss of fif.een or twenty thousand. The explanation of this is that, prior to the construction and opening of the Mexican ‘Central’ and Mex- ican ‘ National’ railroads, or virtuaily prior to the year 1883, the exploration of Mexico—owing to the almost total absence of roads and of comfortable hospicia (inns) for man and beast, the utter insecurity for life and property, the intervent on of vast sterile and waterless tracts, and the inhospitality and almost savagery of no — small proportion of its people—was so difficult and dangerous that exploration has rarely been attempted; and those who have attempted it have greatly imperilled their lives, to say nothing of their health and property. Mexico, furthermore, is not fully known to the Mexicans themselves. Thus, a large part of the country on the Pac-fic coast has scarcely been penetrated outside of the roads or ‘ trails’ which lead fromthe seaports to the interior. There are hundreds of square miles in Southern Mexico, especially in the states of Michoacan and Guerrero, and also in Sonora, that have never been explored; and whole tribes of Indians that have never been brought in contact with the white man, and repel all attempts at visitation or government supervision.—[Hon. David A. Wells, in Popular Science Monthly. a LANOLIN. { For the West American Sciontist. ] ~ Apropos to your recent note upon the remarkable solubility of wool in alka ine solutions, it may interest some of your readers to learn that wool contains a most valuable fat also, which is now being saved and utilized for therapeutic purposes. It is composed of the ethers of fatty acids and is called ‘*Lanolin.” Liebrich has shown that it is not merely a secretion from the sebaceous glands, but is a component part of all keratin tissues, such as hair, whalebone, feathers, etc. Ordinary wool contains about forty-five per cent. by weight of lanolin, while un- washed merino wool is said to yield sixty per cent. As a menstruum, or base, for various ointments, it will be greatly appreciated by physicians and others, for the reason that never becoming rancid it does not irri- tate the skin; medicines are more readily absorbed when combined with it; and it can be supplied almost as cheaply as lard. A RFADER. 68 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. DODDER IN CALIFORNIA. Mr. C. R. Oncor. . Dear Str:—Our secretary, Mr. Breckenfeld, hands me your letter inclosing that of Messrs. Vilmorin, Andrieux & Co., and asks me toanswer: My paper before the Microscopical Society merely explains the microscopic features of the growth of the dodder parasite, as many of our members living in the city had never seen it. There was nothing in it which your distinguished correspondents do not already know. In remarks, I allude briefly to the spreid of the parasite in this state, where it has given coasiderable trouble to the growers of alfalfa (medicago sativa). It has ap- peared wherever the growth of this plant has been undertaken—though its appear- ance has been sporadic—never affecting all fields in any locality. No effective rem- edy has been discovered save that when only a few plants appear in a field they have been stamped out before seeding by piling straw on and «round the spot and firing it. Whenever fields have been badly infested they have been plowed up and resown with clean seed. The result is there is very little complaint now heard of the para- site, and our people know it so well that they give it no chance tospread. I believe ‘ our California grown alfalfa seed is practically free from dodder seed, and though we have thousands of acres of alfalfa, one does not hear dodder mentioned once now where it was almost a constant subject ten years ago. As to the occurrence of dodder in our Eastern states I can say that it is seldom heard of inthe red clover regions with which I am acquainted. There was a time some years ago when the do.lder of flax was a serious evil in Missouri, and the flax crop wa; nearly abandoned because of it, but the flax crop there is now large again. The connecting matter between these two facts I do not know. Alfalfa is now one of our great crops in this state, and as I have said the dodder parasite is little heard of. The species of Cuscuta which grow here on salt marsh and on weeds and hillside shrubs do not seem to show any disposition to invade cul- tivated crops. Very respectfully, E. J, Wickson, San Francisco, Calif., June 29, 1886. Editor ‘‘Pacific Rural Press.”. ——————eeeeee AN INSECT MIMIC. ‘Nature’ has an article in which the author narrates his observations of an in- sect mimic. He was in Delhi and observed in the sunshine a dipterous insect, as he supposed, upon tne wall. So much it resembled a common house fly feeding upon something stuck upon the wall that naturally flies would be led to the spot to share the food and becom: an easy prey to this really neuropterous insect of the genus Mantispa, which upon close inspection proved to have four legs instead of six like the fly, and what it appeared to be eating was simply a part of its own substance, ~ its prothrorax being so curiously modified as to resemble a proboscis. The Mantispa somewhat resembles the preyiug Mantis, though the two insects belong to different natural or_ers. ' BOOKS AND’ PERIODICALS):'9/ 2H THE BoTaNicaL GAZETTE. 1 An illustrated monthly of 24 pages or more devoted to all depart- ments of Botany. Contains original investigations, descriptive articles, editorial comments, and botanical news from all parts of the world. It appeals both to the specialist and to the intelligent —Tover of plants. Price, $2.00 a year. Dr. J. M. CouLTER, CRAWFORDSVILLE, IND. Pror. C. R. Barnes, LAFayeEtTre, IND. Pror. J. C. ARTHUR, GENEVA, N. Y. Epitors & PUBLISHERS. THE BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB. A Monthly Journal of Botany, founded in 1870 by Wm. H. Leg- gett. Devoted to the publication of original investigations in the field and laboratory by members of the Club and other leading botanists. 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We will start ase Immense pay sure for those who start at once. STINSON & CO., Portland,Maine. WANTED.—To purchase, Lepidop era (Heterocera) from the West and South west. Add:ess, Dr. Chas. S. McKnight, Saranac Lake, Franklin Co., New York.- MINERAL SCARF PINS. Mounted with the natural nug zets of gold, silver and oth r sparkling ores from the mines of the Rocky Mountains. ‘These souvenirs of the Far West being a new idea, and unlike all other scarf pins, are very attractive and unique as gifts for ladies or gents. Liberal te ms to agents, jewelers and the trade. Sample mailed for fifty cents in silver or postage stamys. Send for circular. G. G. MEAD, Ferri:, Wyoming. CHARLES RUSSELL ORCUTT. IFE MEMBER of the San Diego society of natural history, etc. Dealer in seeds, bulbs, plants, 4 shells, curios, books, periodicals and natural history specimens. Publisher of The West Ameri- can Scientist. San DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, United States of America. W ANTE At the Second hand Store. 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Copying and enlarging, from the tin- iest locket up to life size, in crayon, pastel, India ink and water colors. Babies’ pictures taken by electri- city. Also, Semi-tropical California Scenery of all kinds, by hee SIE RRIEE, LEADING PHOTOGRAPHER, Cor, Fifth and E Sts. San Diego, Cal, When cthers fail try Sherriff. Schiller & Murtha, DEALERS IN Dry Goods, Ladies’ aad Gents’ Furnishing Goods Cloth- ing, Hats, etc. Fifth St., two doors below Consolidated Nat. Bank. THE SAN DIEGO UNION. DAILY AND WEEKLY. DOUGLAS GUNN, - - - PROPRIETOR. HE UNION was established in 1868. Until 1871 it was published only once a week, when the daily edition was begun. THE DAILY UNION is published every morning except Monday. THE WEEKLY UNION is published every Thursday. THE SAN DIEGO UNION is the oldest of the 41 news- papers published in Southern California. Of the 389 papers published in the State, 297 have been started since it began publication. It is more than five years older than 245 of the journals of California, and more than ten years the senior of 168 of them. {It has a larger"bona fide circulation than any other newspaper published in Southern California. THE WEEKLY UNION A large, Seer pace paper of fifty-six columns, circu- ates very largely abroad, as well as at home. Tt goes to nearly every family in the county, and its subscri- bers “stay with it,” It is conceded to be the best Cal- ifornia weekly published out of San Francisco. Both daily and weekly editions circulate largely through Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and con- tiguous territory. It has subscribers in thirty-five of the thirty-eight States, and in six of the eight Terri- tories. in British Columbia, Canada, England, Scot- land, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the Sandwich Islands, China, Japan, and the Australian Colonies. The wide circulation, influen- tial position and representative character of the paper are undisputed. Persons wishing accurate informa- tion respecting the Southern part of California should subscribe for THE UNION. Sample copies sent on ap- plication. TERMS : THE WEEKLY UNION. THE DAILY UNION. One Year, - - - - $300} One Year, - - - $1000 Six Months, - - - - 150|Six Months, - - - 500 Three Months, - - - 75/ Three Months, - - 2 50 One Month, - - - 25!OneMonth, -- - 10 Address THE UNION, SAN DIEGO, CAL. ANTED.—Californian Coleoptera in exchange for Eastern. C. W. Leng, P.O. box 3565, N.Y. A. WENTSCHER, GENERAL COMMISSION, Forwarding and Shipping. Imperial German Consul. SAN DiEGO, CAL A. KLAUBER, S. LEVI, 122 Davis St., S. F. San Diego.. KLAUBER & LEVI, Groceries, Hardware, Agricul- tural Implements. Cor. Fifth and H Sts. San Diego, Cal, CALIFORNIA SHELLS &© CURIOSITIES. SEA MOSS, FERNS, ETC. E. W. FRICK & SONS, Fifth St., between Eand F, SAN DIEGO, CAL The Botanical Atlas, A Guide to the Practical Study of Plants By D. M’Atpring, F. C. 8., Lecturer on Botany, Edinburgh. Containing Representations of the Leading Forms of Plant Life, with Practical Directions and Explanatory Text. For the use of Teachers aud Students. Divided into Cryptogams and Phanerogams, with 52 Full Colored Plates. Bound in two volumes, cloth. Price, $6.00 per volume. THE ZOOLOGICAL ATLAS, (Including Comparative Anatomy.) By D. M’ALPINE, F. C. S., Lecturer on Biology ° and Natural History, Edingburgh; author of ‘‘The Botanical Atlas,” etc. With Practical Directions and Explanatory Text forthe use of Students. Containing 480 Colored Figures and Diagrams. Divided into Vertebrata and Invertebrata. Handsomely bound in cloth, with gilt edges. Two vols. Price $5.00 per vol. Sold by dealers, or THE CENTURY CO., N. Y. Mone REAL ESTATE, ETC. G. FRANK JUDSON, J. K. HAMILTON. JUDSON & HAMILTON, REAL ESTATE AGENTS For City and Country Property — Of all kinds and in quantities to suit any and all classes of pur- chasers. We have avery large list of Fruit, Alfalfa, Grain and Stock Ranches, ALSO A FINE LIST OF CITY PROPERTY Which we will take pleasure in showing. Wesell strictly on com- mission and not for all we can get over and above what the owner wants net, so parties dealing with us are assured the lowest price and a square deal. Publishers “San Diego County Land Regis- ter and San Diego Business Directory. | Office: West side Fifth St. bet. E and F, SAN DIEGO, CAL. MORSE, WHALEY & DALTON, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. Pioneer Real Estate Dealers, NOTARIES. Exclusive Control of Valuable Properties. Money to Loan, Taxes Paid for Non-Residents, Rents Collected, ete. REFERENCES: - - - - - - + CONSOLIDATED NATIONAL BANK. DRY GOODS AND GENERAL MERCHANDISE. - GEO. W. MARSTON, HERBERT A. CHASE, FRANK A. STEPHENS. GEO. W. 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AVE THE FINEST FARMING LANDS, IN LARGE AND small tracts, suitable for every kind of Farming, Fruit Grow- ing and Grazing, at from $5 to $1000 an acre, Large tracts, espe- cially suitable for Capitalists and Colonies. Beautifully Improved Places In the choicest Valleys and on the finest Mesa (or table) lands, where the Navel Orange, Sicily Lemon, Olives, Apricots, Necta- rines, Bananas. Mandarins, Prunes, Wine, Raisin and Table Grapes, and any and all Fruit and Grain can be raised in greater ~ perfection than in any other part of Southern California. The best Business Lots and Blocks and choicest Residence Sites in San Diego, National City and elsewhere. We take charge of properties, pay taxes, insurance; ete., for borer MONEY TO LOAN IN ANY QUANTITY. At our offices can be found a complete record of all sales made, showing the market value of all properties. Correspondence solicited. Please mention this magazine. =" se ‘ aie ie . fae ues 4% en Wen te biAp: vi ; A : SEPTEMBER, 1886. (No,. C. R. ORCUTT, Epitor AND PUBLISHER. Heese: *"{ SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. | “eases "ats West AMERICAN SCIENTIST. | [HSTABLISHED,. 1884.) A monthly journal embracing all departments of science. Contributions will ; be welcomed from any quarter. Annual subscription in the United States and Canada, $1.00 in advance, 81. 25 if not paid in advance, postage prepaid. Foreign countries, 25 cents additional. Subscriptions may commence with any number of the current volume. Afew ~~ copies of numbers 3 to 15 inclusive can be supplied at 10 cents each. Advertising rates on application. + Inquiries cheerfully answered and information furnished. If a written reply i is wanted, or the subject is not of general interest, some remuneration will be ex- pected, or stamps should be enclosed. Any American or foreign newspapers and magazines supplied at the publishers’ lowest price. A discount where several are ordered together. The standard popular or technical scient fic works or other books are also sup- plied. Address, THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST, San Diego, California. WE ARE SOLE AGENTS FOR Knabe, Haines Brothers, Boardman & Gray, and J. & © Fischer PIANOS. WMOAND THE Ce Story ! CLarK Orcans WHICH WE SELL FOR CASH OR ON TIME. Also: Violins, Guitars, Banjos, Flutes, i Accordeons, and Music eet FINE OLD VIOLINS FOR SALE. Story, Blackmer & Schneider, Se 612 and 614 Sixth Street, SAN DIEGO, CAL. The West Amertean Scientist. nyvou. 11. SEPTEMBER, 1886. | No. 18. {Read before the Society of Natural History August 6, 1866 ] NOTES ON BIRDS INJURIOUS TO FRUIT. The loss incurred by fruit-growers from the attack of birds upon their orchards is fast becoming. an important topic; and one which must ultimately result in remedial measures, which should be judiciously enforced. Every horticulturist ought to be versed in economic ornithology and entomology, in order to engage in a successful contest against the aggressors. An indiscriminate slaughter of birds and insects is harmful and unwise, because the beneficial share the fate of the injurious. Fortunately there are very few species of birds that need to be - checked in their voracity; and these should not be annihilated, but only reduced until their depredations cease to be felt. Every orchardist can well afford to donate some fruit to these sylvan songsters. Were they removed, how gloomy and silent would be the many places, which now are rendered delightful and joyous by the re-echoing strains of these many-tongued warblers. I have often been asked the question: Do birds that destroy fruit feed upon insects? LIanswer: They do, as [Ive proved by observation and dissection. The following nine species are those which are most destruc- tive and the only ones worthy of being termed pernicious: . Curved-bill Thrush (Harporhynchus redivivus). House Finch (Carpodacus frontalis ). Brown Towhee (Pipilo fuscus crissalis). . Black-headed Grosbeak (Zamelodia melanocephala). Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus). . Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullock). . Quail (Lophortyx californica). Common Crow (Corvus frugivorus). . California Jay (Aphelocoma californica). The Sickle-billed Thrasher is both frugivorous and insectiv- orous, attacking figs and grapes; is destructive to the garden ,pull- COO AIS OUR CoD 70 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. ing up the young corn, melons and squashes; destroys maturé corn in the same way that the California jay does—by stripping | down the husks and eating the kernels. A specimen dissected June 7, 1885, contained 90 per cent of honey bees (Apis mellifica), afew seeds and one Silpha ramosa (This beetle is beneficial; I have watched them destroy the chrysalises of the eut-worm moth), This species is also very fond of worms and caterpillars. I have watched them catch aquatic larva. A resident species. House Finch is not insectivorous, feeds entirely upon seeds, attacks the different varieties of fruit and feeds largely upon the seeds of the crucifere. Resident. Brown T'owhee is almost entirely granivorous; insects form a very small per cent. of its food and, is very destructive in the or- chard. Resident. Black Headed Grosbeak feeds upon seeds and insects and is a most voracious bird in the orchard. This species destroys a great many destructive insects. A specimen dissected June 7, 1885, contained 12 spotted squash beetles (diabrotiea soros) and nothing else. Migratory; arrives about March 26, and departs about September 30. Orioles are inséctivorous and frugivorous, committing great depredations in the orchard. Jf it were not for the aceusation just mentioned these birds would be exceedingly useful, and as it is they are more beneficial in the devouring of noxious insects than any other birds. Migratory; arrives March 17, departs August 20. Quail are exceedingly destructive in the vineyard. Resident. The Crow is everywhere noted for its mischievousness. The California Jay is like the crow in its harmful ravages; feeds upon the honey-bee and devours the eggs of other birds. Resident. } F. EK. BLAISDELL. — Poway, San Diego County, Cal. eee ee A ee {Written for the West!American Scientist.] THE VELELLA« Among the many interesting forms of Medusae are two beau- tiful genera called Velella and Porpita. Velella has borne the name which designates its most striking peculiarity since the mid- dle of the fifteenth century, on account, perhaps, of a somewhat fanciful likeness to a little sail. It is commonly called in Florida, where it is sometimes abundant, the ‘float’, and is likewise come THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. — 71 - monly confounded with the Physalis or Portuguese man-of-war. The body or disk of the Velella has an oblong shape, flattened upon its upper and lower sides. | A triangular sail rises on the upper side of the Velella disk and extends diagonally across its surface. It is firmly joined to the upper plate of the float. Over the triangular sail as well as the float, there is stretched a thin, blue-colored membrane, which is continued into a variegated soft rim along its border and around the rim of the float. The Pacific Science Monthly, for June, 1886 gives the follow- ing note: | ‘The small jelly-fish, Velella lmbosa, to which we referred some weeks since, continues to be cast upon our shore by the mill- ion. The beach is-lined with this beautiful little medusae for miles. Why so many appear at this season is a mystery.’ Large numbers were washed up also on the ocean beaches at San Diego and Mr. Orcutt reports them in like abundance as far south as San Quentin bay, on the Lower California coast. The violet snail, lanthina, is said to feed on this jelly-fish, but I have not learned of their having been washed ashore in any numbers. Can any one suggest a cause for the great abundance of this little animal on our coast during the months of April and May this year? re ibe Bad - YH MONO LAKE. Much interest was excited at a recent meeting of the San Francisco Microscopical Society, by the exhibition of some collec- tions of animal and vegetable life found in and around Mono Lake, made by Dr. H. W. Harkness during his recent trip to that locality. Notable among them were specimens of the rare bacter- ium which has been provisionally classed as Bacterium rubescens, although Dr. Harkness believes there are strong grounds for re- garding it as specifically new. Itis found in immense quantities in Mono Lake, and aggregated masses of it are of a beautiful rose color. It seems to have both a still and a motile stage. No spore formation has been discovered in the preliminary examinations, but culture experiments are now being carried on which will no doubt disclose its complete life cycle. Numerous very active in- fusoria were found associated with the bacteria, and Dr. Harkness reports having found many species of diatoms, some aquatic insect larvae, minute erustaceans, and also fresh-water algae, in this re- markable lake, the water of which is so intensely alkaline that it 72 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. was formerly thought incapable of supporting either animal or vegetable life. An official analysis of the water of the ‘Dead Sea of California’, as it has been called, had just been received from Washington and is as follows: ak Ppa eee oS tS ASE apc Poca care, Soran ae mes 0.28 Ch.oride of \Petasstum (74 34 eee 2.43 Chioride. of Sodium. 22.) Meee 18.22 Sulptate of Sodan. { 25 643 Double-crested Cormorant,........---- 25 674 Franklin’s Rosy Gull,......-.-+---++-- 2 50 685 Forster’s Tern,.....----------++2ss 007: 20 698 Black Terny.<..%. 22-22-22 tenner eee 10 Be GTeDe, hist kine ais= ees Sent ewe ss iy Australian ApteryX,....-.-----+--+: . 15 (00 Ostrich jes Sn = Be eee a ees 2 00 Ovint: woate Lido or alee ane, me ere es 2°75 (esThese eggs are guaranteed true to name. Postage or express charges extra. Minerals. Post-paid, correctly Terms strictly cash with order. desired. labelled and well packed. No exchanges Colleges and museums supplied with any size and in any quantity. Orders promptly filled. Galena ore, silver bearing,......-.---- 10 to Tin ore, 3 to 8 per cent metal,........ 10 to Pyrite of iron, gold bearing and Irides- BENE peyote ec as Na Stat ohn mrs SEM Sg ae 10 to Quartz, milk white..........-.--+++++: 10 to ‘© Rose, beautiful pink.......-.-.. 10 to LES PAT ey RE are Wi eM UNS «© Smoky translucent...........--- 10 to -* Crystals, clusters, etc........... 15 to *“ Nodules, spherical, indented, inter- PUNE << Siow leans 2 > 5 nlinta via mines emmiereins 10 to Mica, in white spar and quartz....... 10 to “ ‘Schist, flsh-scale mica..........- 10 to “ Uncut, foliated, white........... 10 to rt BS - BONS c,h ie telat Meeps 10 to Gypsum, chalk-white..........----.-: 10 to es CEYAGRIIZER Ve sto be = rs 10 to Selenite, white, glossy, foliated...... 10 to Dendrite, (‘forest rock’) fine fern on yel- low EYES DS GRE Bey RR ha 10 to Tourmaline, black, massive........--. 10 to 4 Needle crystals in a mass, Mow, ClEGANG 251... oe ec tee eee 2 10 to Tourmaline in white quartz.......... 10 to ee TPS PAL Grime sah ce ete shies 10 to Garnet slate, surface warted with garnets PP Sees nto Ravers aie eielinccicwln’s ais" Fie arelelwieys 10 to Dog tooth spar, clusters of coarse white SEV SU ALS tatesirletigizetistete® = as]-eelaleis Co) Rock crystals, mass calcite.........-. 10 to Calcite Xld, needles and cleavages....10 to Calcite crystals in clusters.........--- 15 to Petrified, pine wood.............--... 10 to as TITORS, ole tale iain cdots © gucie Yeloukie edo mie 10 to Feldspar, white and blue tinted...... 10 to Silver ore, $50 to the ton............. 10 to Gold ore, attractive........-.-.-.-.++- Porphyry, cont’g XJs of feldspar and tour- TMT ie coh), '.)s jern'a\s) < w's 9.0.0 sie sie © 10 to Marble, tinted red to yellow.......... 10 to Beryl, opaque variety......-.-.-----: 10 to Moss agate... .2.. cere cece ee ee cece see 10 to. Free gold Ore......-.-+2---+eereer rere 75 to Native silver ore..........-- +2 --s06- 50 to Asbestos, fibrous......-.------+ss20:5 10 to Stream tin, assays 60 per cent metal, per OZ. Uranite, very beautiful greenish-yellow INCLUSCALLOM 4). jojo. ee oNele bole soregnee eee ene 50 to Antonite, from Lower California, with a silvery lustre,:.......-----2---> 20 to Brazillian and Prussian agates, polished, 2 by 3 inches banded_onyx. ribbon, Ccar- eee nelian, fortification.Each........-. 50 to Smoky Topaz crystals,.......-...-- .25 to Amazon stone ‘“S — ..c..ee-- eee tect 30 to Pink Satin Spar..:.....-.-----+-2-- ..20 to Moss Agate pebbles........--:---+-++-- 10 to Obsidian ~ ‘“ New Mexico...... 10 to Amethyst, lavender and purple...... 25 to Satinwood Iron ore, fine grained..... 15 to Copper Pyrites ..-.-..+..--++2+++> ...10 to Pyrolusite, Needle Iron......-.----- .15 to Ribbon and Banded Jasper Iron......20 to Crystalized Copper......------+--+ +++ 50 to Tin Ore, Cornwall, England..........-.--- Jet, genuine, Yorkshire, England......... Catlinite, (red pipe-stone, from which In- dians make their pipes,) from Dakota aud Minnesota,.......----se2++2-¢ +40 Cerargyrite horn-silver......-.----+-: 10 to Mexican OnyX........---+--++-- PRS Green Moss Agate......-.---+++--2e+> Indian Relics. Moccasins, Papoose size, partly antes 1 Rae pre atas MR oi Sri Bari: xo SE to Moccasins, Adult size,..-..-.---+-- 2 50 to Pipes, red pipe-stone, plain and orna- MEN). oo. sacks ee beens essa .2 50 to Tobacco pouches, beaded and quilled, ele- GAME, Li ap, -ap0'oyoid nial bi nnn oe way he eem on 2 50 to Knife Scabbard, beaded,......----- 1 00 to Tomahawk, ..-...-. 0-02 sees cere ese secs nse Bow and 6 Arrows......---+++-+-°° 4 00 to Arrows, Steel points—fine.....-----+--+++ War Clubs—Quartz Head....-.-.--+++-++++ Match -Safes.. 2. 0.52.02. -- se see = = seine eaeere Head Dress. .<. 2... 0... fee eee sees 2 00 to Scalp Lock Ornaments......+.---++++++-7> Bracelets, per pair....-.-.----2+e2essreeet Squaws Belt—Elegantly Beaded.......--- ‘5 32) Work B&iict oo. soo cere prises nte Wine oleae Baby Carrier, Heavily Beaded..........--- Buckskin Vest, quill worked........-.---: Indian dolls, Buckskin-coyered, dressed Indian fashion,.....-..------+-+--- 1 00 to ARROW AND SPEAR POINTS. Flint, quartz, Jasper, etc., perfect ...10 to of hae ne et ’slightly, imper- fects. i: F.-, F-series eee eee 05 to Agate, obsidian, carnelian, etc., small and perfect, noted for beauty? 22 325582 50c to Same, slightly impertect,......------ 15 to Spear-heads, perfect,......--.-++---- 25 to Topaz, obsidian, agate, etc. from Oregon and New Mexico, perfect, per doz....... Each, < . 4):..--ie8* ar eure ene 35 to Slightly imperfect, per COZ. ¢ 5 eatome imeep Flint, quartz, jasper, etc., perfect, per doz. 75 to ao g 6 Se ese ie ab ure la plole) epee e)m WaSTe mgm) = Se hi eee oFwoO I Fw esassaszsses S Be HO rors g Nessey S ~, i By RR. ms, i ‘ Rose Murex regius, Wood, Panama, 25to 50 Corals. Cameo Shell, Cassis rufa; Linn, East In- ‘We wandered where the dreamy palms 2) MER EAA ON as He Ra 25¢ to 50 _. Murmured above the sleeping wave; Helmet Shell, Cassis Madagascariensis And through the waters clear and calm, Lam. Bahamas............... “25c50 and = 75 Looked down into the coral cave. Bahama Black Helmet, Cassis Tuberosa, Meandrina clivosa, Verrill, Florida, each Linn. Bahamas, 25, 50 and 75c Extra IE BS oleae Golan ics we 50, '75, and 1 00 MAO? hold 22 decison oi cty ts ee eigen Meandrina sinuosa, Les., Florida, each East India Yellow Helmet, Cassis Cornu- OS oS eee 50, 1 00 and 2 50 TUS) Sim SApOre vac. ecenlets 50, '75c and 1 0Q Madrepora palmata, Linn. Florida. Fine ' | Pearly Nautilus, Nautilus pompilius, Linn. STD CSS ee 50, 75 and 1 00 Hast, LMOTAS (342 crane oe See eee 1, OO) 2750 Matrepora cervicornus, Linn Florida East India Volute, Voluta Scapha, Gmel. 6 8 EE a 50,75 and 1 00 Bast Indies: 20.50. Ske caulk eal tee OG ,BGe a ame Madrepora convexa, Dana, E. Indies, 50, 1 00} Voluta Vespertilio, Linn. East Indies.... 25 Leriatopora Spinosa, E. & H. Africa, and Crown Volute, Melo diademo, Lam., Africa several other species.......... ISO eet a ie aNd Eyed ml O10 ie Cty a ORI OD Lin ap ga Neneh RN yl 25, 60 and > Millepora alcicornis, Linn. Fla. 25, 50,75, 1 00 | Episcopal Mitre, Mitra Episcopalis, D’Arg, Merulina ampliata, Ehr. Singapore, very Wey lO wg i Be Bias Aen ete 15c to 30 A ae 1 00,2 00 and 3 00| Turk’s Cap Turbo, Turbo sarmatacus, ~Galaxea Musicales. Oken. Singapore,...... Linn, Mediterranean Sea............. here 25) 2 EE ig Oe 75,100 and 150} Turbo Marmoratus, Linn, Indian Ocean, mcm dandaling. Var., Verrill, Hast. (jo) week. kde ceawcceneeess 25, 50, '75c and 1 00: AS Co a a 50, 75 and 1 00} Gold Mouth Turbo, Turbo chrysostomus, Dichocoena porcata, E. & H. Florida,.... Limn; Hast tindies hee. sein ae Wie saan ee 25 EMORY Sr sin ess iledg oe-v nec 1 00, 2 00 and 3 00} Horned Turbo, Turbo cornutus, Gmel. Orbicella annularis, Dana, Florida,........ Chingsc ek eee Maen ees re eeu: ano 50 oy by ele 25, 50,'75 and 1 00} Lavona pica, Linn. Bahamas.............. 25 Siderastraea galaxea, Blaiby Fla. 50, 75 1 00} Top Shell, Trochus maximus, China,..... 1 00 Porites astraeoides, Lam. Fla. 50, 75 and 1 00/ Trochus Niloticus, Linn. East Indies, 25 Porites clavaria, Lam. Fla., 50,75 and 1.00 and:50'¢ts:\dach worth). so). ote aoe cia tee 1 00 Tridacophyllia manecina, E. & H. Singa- 2 Bese. ee eile Sei 50, '75 and 1 00 Fossils. oo ili species) 25, 50, 75 and bo Prices include postage unless a specimen eer EE ee JOROBB 6 022i s'¢ oes a 4 oe oe one weighs over 4 lbs. Safe delivery guaranteed. Madrepora plantaginea,................. 50 1 00 2 ‘aie Madrepora prolifera, .:..............6... 50 1 00 PIERRE GROUP—CRETACEOUS FOSSILS * Fine collections for schools will be put up on ‘very easy terms. Fine corals for parlors and cabinets. Postage and express charges extra. i Flexible Corals. Sea Feather, Pterogorgia selosa, West Indies This beautiful tree-like coral grows in clusters with hundreds of lateral branch- es, being the finest of all the plant-like animals that grow in Neptune’s Flower Garden. Size, 2 to 8 feet high. Price, 1 00 Sea Fan, Gorgonia Flabeilum, West Indies Me rMeICOLOT 6 53. sh lS es te tae 3% 25 tons 50 Nothing can be more beautiful and pleasing than the delicate colorings of Corals and Shells. Who can afford to be without at least a few of these gems of the ocean? Shells. Original Chinese Box, containing 125 beau- POMPMOC USO ose) SE ei c a ad ve ardicin eee meriton, Varieratum, 6... i.e ee 2 00 4 00 Spider Shell, Pteroceras lambis, China. Large and fine, perfect in color PO] NGL IOT: tel a can i eR 25 Scorpion Shells, Pteroceras chiragra, Linn. TO TMILOR i oe in ed eens eee bine 2oc and 50 Hooked Scorpion, Pteroceras rugosa Sowb, MMMPERE EU LOIOS Ue kd Sk gsc cleat eld ape stow dye oe as 25 Orange Scorpion Shell, Pteroceras auran- 0 CO 25 White Murex, Murex ramosus, Linn. East st ac a lin. 2 -'s-- 20, OOand. | 75 Black Murex, Murex radix. Gmel. Pan- MMe Soh ak. css rae OC tO, 50 TE ee ee ORCUTT, rat oak = San Diego, California. Fossil fish, Bacnlites—ovatus and compres- sus,72 tomb aimithes).< 2. eos... 45.) sOhOum apa Scaphites conradii, 1 to4 inches.....15 to 3 00 Nautilus DeCayii, 2 to 4 inches, centers to complete shelly e220). scot Cem ee 75 to 5 00 Ammonites placenta, 2 to 15 inches, 3 oz. LOFSO) MO ee sty lartaeate s se speceerseereee do tO15 00 Gasteropods in concrete mass........25 to 1 00 Inoceramus problematicus, 2 oz. tol or3 TID. a locah a) o Neral alaleeth gaeenstn cPatete Sic! c, Sota cg eo eRe Ue JURASSIC FOSSILS. Belamnites densus,..... .05to 50 Ammonites, 2 species, about 4 inches in CUATMEUETS SecA eT Se DA Rael te 1 00 to 2 00 TERTIARY FOSSILS. Brontotherium Teeth, an animal of elephantin> size, related to the rhinoceros. It had a pair of great horns. The back molars are about 8 inches square, and their teeth taper to small ones in front. Simple. Ceegh. Mui. joetpeeic tive nitine 45-00 pbOe Tmo 2 teethiin part. of jaws... .0..-..... 6 00 to 10 00 Titanotherium—Prouti teeth, an animal relat- ed to the tapir, of elephantine size, 7or 8 ft. high. Back molars, about 2x4to 5 inches, smaller toward the front. Siniglowmteena t,x! sale. Peni cutes eeemebe 50 to 4 00 2 or 8 teeth in portion of jaw...... 5 00 to 10 00 Hyracodon, or Rhinocerous teeth 1 to 2 MORE weet hi Im STOMP). 2 sat se aiee OO) COM Le OUP Anchitherium (or three-toed horse) teeth, an animal two feet in height, resembling a pony, with three hoofs or toes to each foot 1 to more teeth in group..............25 to 2 0@ MISCELLANEOUS. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Cc. R. ORCUTT, | _ San Diego, Cal. Oreodon Gracilis, an animal between the deer, camel and hog. Entire skull and both jaws, complete DSN, Pele bo GA ketone lie ERs SEE SDM ey LO dom Portion of skull and 1 or 2 jaws...1 00 to 3 00 Single teeth 2 to 6 in portion of jaw 20 to 1 00 Turtles, 4 to 15 inches, 5 lbs, to 50 lbs. Portions to complete turtles...... 1 00 to 15 00 FossIL CORAL PAPER-WEIGHTS. A few polished corals, Favosites, etc. suit- able for paper-weights or cabinet speci- TINGE Levies eh cte sis estenels caine) cele eter OO ONGO! nes OU) Harp Shell, Harpa ventricosa, Lam. China = 25 Tiger Cowry Cyprae tigris, East Indies, EN See I go a ale ieee inilsate setae ONO MUO he aD Mourning Cowry, Cypraea mauritiana, PTAA LAT hae azo, eb atetclove elokoregere weld con CO) Q5 Cypraea pantherina, Sol. ast Indies ean deel eva rtO 25 Cypraea exanthema, Linn. Panamal12% to 25 Marlinspike, Terebra maculata, Linn Mo- WUCCAR, jesccs estes crac ah ie sean eietie em ane Oval Egg Ovulum ovum, Linn. New Guin. 25 Ear Shell, Auricula auris-Midae, Linn. Blaet undies, utes sls cecum ke by 25 Marble Cone, Conus marmoreus, Gmel. China s..7, eo Wah edhe ne abe ced POLY RaaueSED CONUS AOL WAMU) 7h) isete ts etas mck elae rates angle Virgin Cone, Conus virgo, Linn. East In- (SORE a 5 Cte Dara ea RRO Fle gnRSE Kreg hc 25 to 50 Lettered Cone, Conus literatus, Linn. East Indies, good, 25 cts each. Very fine 50 Pecten Irradians, Lam. Long Island, very fine cabinet specimens 25 cts. size 34 to 8% inches. Spotted Horsefoot, Hippopus maculatus Lam. East Indies,........\....35, 50 and 5 Tridacna Squamosa, Lam. Bombay, 25,50, 75 Postage or express charges extra. Curiosities. [Postpaid on receipt of price. ] I HEE. ost suit sts a ain kama bteeee 25 BAMA SUING TOY yo. owe oes cen wile pent eerel 10 Octopus punctatus, Devil Fish,............ 50 Nest, made by Trap-door spider, upper PXORULOI Ih oS ttes acc iicct Bele we aie a bids ee ERE 1 00 PUREATEC IEE EEA BSE 25.5 ors ok wee cha ES ap eee bee 50 DOM, eI ON Ne Kilo Ss eRe es Cae 25 PRMMIUORGS Eb Ne Sie eee te ol altar 05 PIOOROUBATB AGIOS, 5). oes, 6 oeeccb ac tskae buae’ 10 Echinarachnius excentricus, (Flat Sea- 1 R/T YEUDT CE NCI poe SM SSS lg a ae a 10 Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, (Purple BUEN I fate cle cArviw.e nia dhe bidaie'» odtea'oe 10 Long-Spined Sea-Urchin,.................. 1 00 Star Fish and Ophnirans,............ 10 to 1 00 Crabs and other crustacea,........... 05 to 1 00 Screw bean pods (Don’t you know beans!) 05 Pearls, from Haliotis, odd and curious FOPRIE, SOMO MNES 2. 062... cscs vs wees 25c to 10 00 AMMPOT GERD, acpi cGy os Re bab peek cee us 15 Native California Woods, quarter sections, 25 ig f xe 5x1xlinches 05 Polished Tiger eye, 11-2 x 2,............. 35 LH ESTABLISHED: 1246. The most popular Weekly newspaper devoted toscience, mechanics, engineering, discoveries, in- ventions and patents ever published. Every num- ber illustrated with splendid engravings. This publication furnishes a most valuable encyclopedia of information which no person should be without. The popularity of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN is such that its circulation nearly equals that of all other pacers of its class combined. Price, $3.20 a year. Discount toClubs. Sold byall newsdealers. MUNN & CO., Publishers, No. 36f8roadway, N. Y Munn & Co. have S also had Thirty: ® Eight years’ practice before the Patent Office and have prepared more than One Hundred Thou- sand _ applications for patents in the United States and foreign countries. Caveats, Trade-Marks, Copy-rights, Assignments, and all other papers for United States, Canada, England, France, Germany and other foreign countries, pre- pared at short notice and on reasonable terms. 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Re ga ipa ie 99 | LITBRATURE Oo: ALIFORNIAN AND persetderaar aaa NECROLOGY Se Se eg bogie uy SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. \ OTE * 385 > aot a4 4 s ; af 4 Pe Fi ” ei ah Barns rd ae Yr’ ee 7 if \ lex SRR MARIRR __ Reieroeseiore: OCTOBER, 1886. WHOLE No. | 9 A | HOOKS Bo ES ay ON Re Hal ed 102 | Norrs AND NEWS,........./...... . 19. /) West Avenican Scirist has 102 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. [ESTABLISHED 1884.}) A monthly journal embracing all departments of science. Contributions will be wel- comed oor any quarter. ’ Raciahl subscription in the United States and Canada, $1.00 in advance, $1.25 25 if not paid in advance. postage prepaid, Foreign countries, 25 cents additional. Subscriptions may commence with any number of the current volume. A few copies” of numbers 3 to 15 inclusive can be supplied at 10 cents each. Advertising rates on application. Inquiries cheerfully answered and information furnished. If a written reply is wanted, or the subject is not of general interest, some remuneration will be expeeted, or stamps should be enclosed. Any American or foreign newspapers and magazines supplied at the publishers’ lowest price. A discount where several are ‘ordered together. The standard popular or foohnice scientific works or eee books are also supplied. Annual subseriptions, $1.00 in advanee. (England and Europe, five shillings.) Single’ copy, ten cents. Address, THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST, San Diego, California. HAMILTON & COs SA We DHEGOs eC AT FJEALERS. IN GENERAL MIERGHANDIS We handle the products of this county, and ask for Honey, Beeswax, Olives, San Diego Raisins, Oranges, Lemons, &c. | THe West American Scientist. NOL: Wb OCTOBER, 1886. Nee ro, DARLINGTONIA CALIFORNAGH. UCH attention of late years has been given to the study and culture of insectivorous plants by botanists and eS horticulturists. Probably none of these curious plants has attracted more notice than the Darlingtonia of California, which is represented below. This Californian plant is a peren- ae ~ nial herb of a greenish-yellow hue, vz ein fEAMeO with tubular and hooded leaves and an | nodding purplish flowers. In its na- tive state it is found in mountain swamps and along the borders of brooks, at an elevation of from 1,000 to. 6,000 feet, from Truckee Pass to the borders of Oregon. It belongs to the same family as the Sarracenia, or pitcher-plant, of the East, and the curious leaves are con- trived and fashioned in such a way as to form one of the most remarkable natural fly-traps known. One side of Bike leaf is mottled and gayly colored, to attract the fancy of any insect that may be near or flying past. An insect upon alighting and roaming over the surface, soon enters upon a broad and open road. A line of honey entices him on to an orifice on the under side of an inflated sac near the summit. An expansion, like a fence, borders the road on either side and gradually narrows it in. Sharp bristles, all pointing one way, beset the path and makes an onward course the natural one to travel, directly into the dangerous opening that yawns above, and the way is sweet- ened with honey besides. New pastures of honey tempt the unfortunate victim with- in the vaulted chamber. When satiated and he would leave, Q2 Trap-Door Spiders. translucent windows in the dome above entice him away from the dark door in the floor by which he entered. No avenue of escape is found, and from the shape of the cavity and the needle-like hairs pointing ever downward, the de- struction of the captive is sure. Thus he was attracted to the plant, then enticed within, then imprisoned, and _ulti- mately consigned to the sweet lake in the bottom of the pit. The tube of the leaf is often filled with the dead insects for several inches in depth. Flies are the most numerous victims, but bees, butterflies, grasshoppers, beetles and even snails are entrapped. In Europe, where the culture of this interesting plant has been carefully watched by skilful gardeners and horticultur- ists, it has been very successfully grown in shallow pots, be- coming strong and vigorous, but space forbids further details of the interesting habits of this plant or of the best methods of its culture. Read before the Historical Society of Southern California. FRAP-DOOR SPIDERS, [CONCLUDED. | THE Ctenizas will attack and bury their fangs in each other with a strength and ferocity painful to witness; but when separated they seem to have sustained no injury, and go about their several callings as though such encounters were of ordinary occurrence. That it is not suddenly fatal is shown by the fact that crickets and other prey often move and kick even when partially devoured by spiders. Probably when a spider dies very soon after being bitten by another, the death is not caused by poison, but because the fang has pierced the central nerve mass. I long ago learned that the quickest and easiest way to kill certain small spiders of the East, was to thrust a needle into the middle of the cephalo-thorax. They would be paralyzed immediately and die very soon. It af- fects Trap-door spiders the same way but not so suddenly. The testimony of many writers shows that spider bites are not generally more dangerous than mosquito bites, and some- times occasion no more inconvenience than the wounds of a needle; and that most insects if they could escape the grasp and sucking jaws of the spider after being struck, would stand a fair chance of recovery. Trap-Door Spiders, 93 Enthusiastic naturalists have allowed spiders to bite them repeatedly without serious results ; but as far as personal ap- plication is concerned I am perfectly willing to depart from scientific methods and take on faith the statement that the poison of a spider is not poisonous. There are noticeable differences between male and female spiders. The male Cteniza is smaller, darker colored, has much smaller abdo- men, longer legs, and his maxillary palpi have one crooked joint, and are armed with spurs or hooks, He is also verv much more active. I have never been able to find the hiding places of males, and in two years have only obtained two specimens. ‘These were caught by some boys soon atter a severe rain storm. They probably hide away among mustard stalks and under leaves and have no settled homes. As there are few stones and no beds of matted leaves, the male Trap-door spider must be an adept at hiding, especially in the day season. It is said his shyness is due to the cannibal tendencies of the fe- male, who shows her conjugal thrift by eating a husband whenever the larder is empty, or she happens to be in an ill humor. The‘females are the solitary dwellers in the tube houses. These holes are dug all over the foothills and often on level ground. It is often said that they prefer a certain exposure, I think northerly, but I have found the nests at all heights and all slopes of the hills, and believe they have no preference. All they need is seclusion. They are found by the dozens on many hills, and frequently there are four or five within a few feet of each other. It looks as though the young of one family located as one colony after leaving the parental cellar, and live peacefully. This proximity suggests that unconfined they are not such ferocious cannibals as painted, or that food is abundant. I do not know what the food is. Probably the staple articles are crickets and sow- bugs. That it is plentiful is shown by the plump condition of the spiders when they are dug from the ground. I never found any remains of food in or around the nests. In con- finement they eat flies and crickets and devour each other with great relish, or they will live months without food. It is next to impossible to starve them out of their nests. I have known specimens to shut themselves up by webs and stoically starve to death in nests left on window sills in rooms where they were alone most of the time, and where they could have caught flies by leaving the tube. There is something almost pathetic about this feminine domesticity were it not so ex- 94 Trap-Door Spiders tremely stupid. Possibly, even with this adjunct, it appears to some minds as an eminently suitable and proper way of dying. hoe the hills they make the nests from eight to ten inches long. They are rarely straight. For a few inches they are verticle, then they gradually curve, generally up hill, and sometimes there is a double curve. I have one that has a sharp turn near the bottom, almost at right angles to the gen- eral direction. On account of these curves no caller is able to tell whether the lady of the house is at home by looking down the hallway. Generally the walls are silken-lined throughout, but some individuals are not particular and leave the lower end bare. Then these mud walls are scarred and marked with impressions of the spider’s claws, The door is the most curious part of the nest. It is some- times so well fitted that it is impossible to open it without the aid of a penknife, but it can always be opened without injury to hinge. The silk on the hinge part is thick and strong. The hinge line is generally toward the top of the hill, but not always, for I have found nests that open up hill and side wise. Considering the rush with which rain comes here it would be provident always to have the doors open downward, so as not to be swept open by the floods. The hinges are always made so strong that they spring the door to, regardless of inclina- tion of position. The door stands at about an angle of 45 degrees and shuts as soon as the spider has crawled out. The worn hinges of specimens that have been handled do not give a correct idea of the tension of web in inhabited nests. The spiders are nocturnal or crepuscular. After four o'clock in the afternoon it is not uncommon to see a door gently fall to on the approach of footsteps. Spiders often be- tray their nests in this way. If an attempt is made to open the door, one finds that the spider is holding it down on the other side with considerable strength. She catches her claws in the silk and braces herself against the walls by means of her many legs, and pulls for dear life. In every door there are four or five little holes in the silk opposite the middle of the hinge, which might be called in- verted door knobs, and in these she inserts her claws to open or shut the door. When she finds her efforts are of no avail and the door slips from her grasp, she hastens to her recep- tion room at the bottom of the tube, and, throwing herself backward with all feet and her cruel fangs upturned to re- ceive anything that descends, she waits patiently for future de- Trap-Door Spiders. 95 velopments. The spider will move quite large stones that fasten the door, but if it is pinned back so she cannot lift it, she will build a new door. I have tested them many times in this way in the spider towns of the foothills. Not long after one successful experiment of the kind, I heard of a very rare specimen of a “Tarantula’s” nest in one of the stores, for which the dealer would not take any price, because it was such an uncommon thing for spiders to have double doors to their homes! I removed the door from one of my spider’s houses and she built seven doors in succession in a short time; but some are content when the door is torn off to spin a web over the open- ing. Sometimes the screw seed-vessel of Alfilaria worms its way into the top of the door and makes a convenient handle for us to open the portal, or a bit of grass roots there and hides the dwelling; but I have never noticed any attempt on the part of the spider to cover the trap with vegetation as a protection. The nests are well hidden by burr clover and crane’s-bill in the green season, and in the dry season, when most they need concealment, the earth is so baked and cracked that it takes a keen and experienced eye to pick out the trap doors from the multitudinous mud cracks which surround them. After the young leave the mother they can easily conceal themselves in the cracks and fissures of the dry soil, and their first tiny nests are so small as to escape detection. The small- est I have seen have been in diameter about the width of a pea. - They are said to enlarge their tubes from time to time, as they increase in size. The young must leave the nest very early, for I have never found any with the mother except the swarms that are there in April and May, and the little ones then are about the size of a medium pin head. They proba- bly make their tubes in summer, for the floods of the rainy season would sweep them out of temporary resting places and out of existence. It is reported that the mother shuts herself up in the nest and offers herself an unresisting victim to the insatiable appetite for her swarming offspring, and that after the repast they go forth in the world refreshed and ready for the duties of life. I trusted to this cannibalism in an attempt to raise some young. There were hundreds of them—little reddish mites creeping over the mother—and, believing in the Sesurvival.of the fittest,.'I left them to devour her and each other, and thus help along my studies. When I examined the nest months afterwards, the mother was alive and had spun a 96 Trap-Door Spiders. loose web over the mouth of the broken tube and the young had all crept out and died in the crevices of the earth. They had not eaten each other to any appreciable extent, and cer- tainly had not filled the traditional contract to devour their devoted mother. There is a fact that gives a faint color of truth to this be- lief. Sometimes the doors of a nest is sealed down. A ring of silk, almost a quarter of an inch wide is woven inside, holding the door fast to the tube. This thick white band can be separated from the nest, showing that it was added after the house was completed. At the bottom of the tube is found the shell of a spider, not the shriveled up body. If the young ate her, how did they get out afterwards? If she found herself wounded unto death, and sealing her door she hid away in the silence and darkness to make her home her tomb—Who ate her? The sides of the tube are smooth and solid, the woven silk is close and compact, the remains are of a victim or eaten subject, not of amummy, and it is not easy to explain the phenomena. Nothing is more interesting about these interesting peo- ple than the existence of such catacombs. As the door closes, like doors in a ghost story, of its own accord after the spider has left the house, she shows no little inge- nuity in getting in when she comes home again. She feels around and gives a pull, and if the door sticks she removes debris that an unkind hand may have placed on the trap. Then as she cannot see downward, she continues to feel around with her feet for familiar places. She inserts her claws in the roughnesses of the earth and pulls till she finds the hinge side, then bracing her feet outside the tube to use as levers, she catches her fangs in the top opposite the hinge, and pulls upward by lifting her whole body. As soon as the door yields and opens a little she inserts her front feet and pulls it wider, and then sliding over the top when it is half open, disappears—pulling the door to after her. The Ctenizas work readily in confinement. Sometimes they finish the tube before adding the door, and other times soon build the door and thus protected carry on improvements at their leisure. They generally work at night, but will pull down the door and remove obstructions from it in the day. They are so shy that it is difficult to catch them workrng. They will work in alighted room if it is quiet, and in this way I have watched them build nests and make doors. They have an interesting way of getting rid of the earth when they are Trap-Door Spiders. 97 digging. They carry particles of earth by means of the fangs pressed against the body, and when they reach the up- per part of the tube by a quick jerk of a leg, they fillip them far from the nest. Thus the bits of soil are scattered far and wide and a heap is never seen at the mouth of a nest. I have seen them repeatedly throw earth in this way, and often heard it at night strike against the top of jars where they were working. In digging holes they use the fangs, and can burrow in very hard soil, Asa test, I put one ina cup of clay, tenacious as brick clay, and in a few nights she had dug a hole larger than a walnut, and she still seems disposed to go farther, although her fangs are coated a third of the length with the yellow clay. Then she brings up bits of earth from the inside, moist- ened in some way, and presses them against the side of the tube. Then turning around with her long spinnerets she spreads silk over the underside of the part that she has just stuck on. The spinnerets act like fingers and plaster the silk on carefully and dexterously. It seems all to be done by touch, rather than sight. This she repeats slowly and with great pains, adding bit by bit and smoothing the silk on the underside, and testing her work with her many hands, till the door is completed. Sometimes dawn comes before the labor is done, and then a little half door hangs on its hinges all day over the opening. The strength of the door, the holes for holding it down, the tenacity with which the spider pulls on the inside, and the at- titude she takes when she hastens down the tube—all show that she has to contend with shrewd enemies. Probably her most tireless foe is the Tarantula hawk. This is a wasp and there are several species that hunt spiders. The largest one is a gorgeous creature with red wings and bluish or greenish metallic-colored body. Late in the afternoon when the spiders begin cautiously to open their doors these wasps are seen flying low and in- tently examining every hole and crevice in the ground. They fly into the squirrel burrows and walk all over them, with their bodies jerking in an impertinent and irritating manner, as they peer into the upper stories of these tenement houses. From this it seems that spiders must be added as attic lodgers in these communal dwellings; and surely with this addition, and the wasps as callers, there must bea Box and Cox arrange- ment as to hours, to prevent unpleasant encounters in the hallways. 98 Trap-Door Spiders. The secret of the wasp’s search is not food, but to lay up an inheritance for her young. When she encounters a spider a fight ensues, and, if she is victorious, she paralyzes but does not kill it, and then deposits an egg on or near the spider, and goes her way rejoicing. ‘The spider is limp and helpless, but keeps alive till the wasp is hatched as a soft white grub. Then the baby wasp begins to eat the meat its mother has supplied in abundance to last through its babyhood. This admirable provision of the wasp—not quite so happy for the spider—is excellent in a dry climate where a dead spider would dry up ina short time and become very tough or dusty eating; but where a parylyzed spider keeps fresh and in good condition till needed. Mud wasps have the same way of storing up smaller spiders for their young. The Cteniza resents familiarity and shows her displeasure by asharp snap of the fangs or by moving off as fast as pos- sible. This makes it difficult to examine live ones. They do not like to be touched. I have found a way, however, of keeping them quiet as long as I please. It is by pressing’ gently on the cephalo-thorax over the chief nerve mass. The spider stops crawling, ceases struggling and remains per- fectly still. This is especially noticeable when they are turned on their backs. At first they fight to get back to their normal position, but a slight pressure stills them, their muscles relax and they can be examined at leisure. Even so slight a weight as a bit of writing paper will keep them immovable for a long time. These mesmer- ized spiders are rather ridiculous in this undignified position, lying flat on their backs, with their many heels all up in the air, and a plaster of white paper across the pit of their stomachs; and it cannot be very comfortable either, but they remain mo- tionless for a quarter or half hour at a time, and may be kept from scrambling back on their feet as long as you will by a touch at the first sign of restlessness. Aside from the curious homes I have not noticed any sign of superior shrewdness or intelligence in these spiders. They seem shy and slow and rather stupid. Their nocturnal habit keeps them from showing off well in the day time, but even at night they are not alert. I tried the effect of certain color and odor by putting rose petals in their nests, but they merely carried them out as they would sticks and mud. I tested their musical ear, as spiders are said to be music- ally inclined, by singing and whistling my sweetest, but they Eminent Naturalists. 99 seemed very phlegmatic about it and the sound produced no impression, not even uneasiness. Perhaps, though, they dis- criminate. Sit They are so slow that it requires much time and patience to study their habits, and then, in confinement, the conditions are net natural. | | | People are ready to believe anything phenomenal about a snake or a spider. Many of the stories of marvelous instinct and characteristics of spiders are woven from the golden tis- sue of romance and are too cobwebby to be touched without destruction, but it is a sorry wight, human or arachnoid, to whom no romance can cling, and it is not strange that the little brown anchoret in her silken cell in the foothills should be credited with more than ordinary intelligence when she shuts her door in the face of the world and retires to solitary meditation. Miss Monks. EMINENT NATURALISTS.—I. RAFINESQUE. “What an odd-looking fellow,’ said I to myself, as while walking by the river J observed a man landing from a boat with, what I thought, a bundle of dried clover on his back. “How the boatmen stare at him! Surely he must be an original.” He ascended with rapid step, and, approaching me, asked if. I could point to the house in which Mr. Audubon resided. “Why, I am the man,” said I, “and will gladly lead you to my dwelling.” The traveler rubbed his hands together with delight, and drawing a letter from his pocket, handed it to me without any remark. I broke the seal and read as follows. “My dear Audubon—I send you an odd fish, which you may prove to be undescribed, and hope you will do so in your next letter. Believe me always your friend, B.” . With all the simplicity of a woodsman, I asked the bearer where the odd fish was; when M. de T. smiled, rubbed his eyes, and with the greatest good humor, said, “I am that odd fish, I presume, Mr. Audubon.” Clean clothes were offered, but he would not accept them, and it was with evident reluctance that he performed the lava- tions usual on such occasions, before he sat down to dinner. 100 Eminent Naturalists. He chanced to turn over the drawing of a plant quite new to him. After inspecting it closely, he shook his head, and told me no such plant existed in nature. I told my guest that the plant was common in the immediate neighborhood, and that I would show it to him on the morrow. “And why, to-morrow, Mr. Audubon? Let us go now!” We did so; and on reaching the bank of the river, [Mr. Audubon lived in Kentucky, on the bank of the Ohio river,] I pointed to the plant. I thought M. de T. had gone mad. He plucked the plants one after another, danced, hugged me in his arms, and exultingly told me that he had got, not merely a new species, but a new genus! When it waxed late, I showed him to the apartment in- tended for him during his stay, and endeavored to render him comfortable, leaving him writing materials in abundance. I was indeed heartily glad to have a naturalist under my roof, We had all retired to rest. Every person, I imagined, was in deep slumber, save myself, when of a sudden, I heard a great uproar in the naturalist’s room. I got up, reached the place ina few moments, and opened the door, when to my astonishment I saw my guest running about the room naked, holding the handle of my favorite violin, the body of which he had battered to pieces against the walls, in attempting to kill the bats, which had entered by the. open window, proba- bly attracted by the insects flying around his candle. I stood amazed, but he continued running round and round, until he was fairly exhausted; when he begged me to procure one of the animals for him, as he felt convinced they belonged to a new species! . M. de T. remained with us for three weeks, and collected multitudes of plants, shells, bats, and fishes. We were per- fectly reconciled to his oddities, and finding him a most agreeable and intelligent companion, hoped that his sojourn might be of long duration. But one evening, when tea was prepared, and we expected him to join the family, he was no- where to be found. His grasses and other valuables were all removed from his room. The night was spent in searching for him in the neighborhood. No eccentric naturalist could be discovered. Whether he had perished in a swamp, or had been devoured by a bear or a gar-fish, or had taken to his heels, were matters of conjecture; nor was it until some weeks after, that a letter from him, thanking us for our attention, as- sured me of his safety. Thus wrote Mr. Audubon, in his “Ornithological Biogra- Eminent Naturalists. IOI phy,” describing, under an assumed name, that most singular man, Constantine Schmaltz Rafinesque, the contemporary of Mr. Say. : He was born of French parentage, in Turkey, near Con- stantinople, in the year 1784. During his early life he showed a love for the study of natural objects, which overcame his interest in mercantile pursuits. Coming to the United States on a trading voyage in 1803, he was known as a botanist. He remained two years, and cultivated the acquaint- ance of the few naturalists then residing in the country. He then established himself as a merchant on the island of Sicily, and remained there until 1815, when he took his final departure for America. During his stay in Sicily he industriously investigated the natural history of that island, and published many works on the same. He embarked with a great collection of speci- mens, books, and manuscripts, but suffered shipwreck off the coast of Long Island, and his precious possessions, for which he had labored so long and so hard, were swept into the ocean. His property was so much impaired that he never recov- ered from the blow, but sunk from poverty even to destitu- tion. His death occurred in 1840. The writings of Rafinesque are admitted to show great tal- ent and sagacity in certain respects, but they lack the sound judgment of Mr. Say. He was possessed with a passion for finding new species, and for combining into new groups all the objects which came within his observation. He especially erred in supposing that distinct species should be formed of natural objects, which present but trifling and unimportant variations, and his disregard for the previous work of other naturalists led them to withdraw their confidence, and, at last to relinquish all intercourse with him. His passion for new species became a confirmed mono- mania, and though of late years more credit has been given to his writings, he doubtless created much confusion by need- lessly multiplying genera and species, and by his brief, imper- fect, and uncertain descriptions ; so that comparatively few of the numerous names which he bestowed are now acknowl- edged as having any value. Mr. Rafinesque’s later years were noted for the projection of many visionary financial and literary schemes. “With harmless egotism he magnified the importance of his own dis- coveries, and ascribed his reverses to machinations of secret 102 Californian and Polynesian Fish-Hooks. foes, and to the end, considered himself a most deserving, though unrequitted, laborer for the promotion of human knowledge.” Peace to his memory! May his enthusiam and scientific spirit, which, in some respects were in advance of the age in which he lived, be duly honored; and may naturalists ever take heed, as a lesson from his career, to join to their zeal, wisdom ; and to wisdom, modesty. Josiah Keep. CALIFORNIAN AND POLYNESIAN FISH-HOOKS. In his work on pre-historic fishing in Europe and North America, Dr. Rau has drawn attention to the similarity of South Californian and Polynesian fish-hooks of shell and bone, and he has figured a few from South Sea Islands for the sake of comparison. In consequence thereof, he received, a short time ago, from the ethnological department of the British Museum, a communication, together with a large plate of drawings of Polynesian fish-hooks preserved in the museum. Some of these are strikingly like the Californian specimens; not only does the curved points in these hooks approach very closely the shank, but they also show, like the Californian hooks, a barb on the outside. This analogy is the more significant, as some ethnologists have claimed a rela- tionship between the Polynesians and South Californians,— American Naturalist, HORIZONTAL WELLS. Many people are now deriving their water supply from tun- nels in the hillsides. It has been found that water can be thus obtained at an elevation which admits of its being distributed over wide areas either for house use or irrigation. In some places in the southern counties of California, tunnels have been run in near the sources of small streams, and thus a much greater supply has been developed than found its way into the streams originally. In other cases, the beds of such streams have been tunneled under, and the underground con- duits of water cut off, and thus again supplies have been de- veloped. Tunnels into the hillsides nearly always yield About the Swordfish. 103 water, though the amount differs widely. Sometimes not enough will be obtained to pay for the cost of the tunnel; again, the supply of a town or a considerable area of irriga- ted land will pour forth, and sometimes risk the lives of the workmen who are opening its way. Many times a man living near the hills can do much better by digging a horizontal well into his hillside, and thus secure running water, than he can by digging a vertical well and then be at the trouble of pumping it to the surface.—Pacific Rural Press. ABOUL THE SWORDFISH. Now the swordfish is a ‘queer critter” Whether he weighs 200 or 700 pounds, he is the same sly, ferocious, aggressive fellow—the most terrific foe a man can meet in the water, unless it is a man-eater shark, and porbably the swordfish can ‘give even him some points. He is a vicious, aggressive fellow; actually malicious, wantonly ugly. His sword isa bony prolongation of his snout, often three feet long, and used as he can use it, it is a terrible weapon. He cannot only attack and even kill a whale, but will always attack a man, if he can get at him, and will not seldom attack a ship —burying his sword deep in the planking, and breaking it off —which serves him right, for this often kills the vicious fish. Well, our harpooner on the little Ocean View, being duly warned by a shout from the look-out, who has discovered a ‘swordfish off the weather bow, gets ready to throw his lance. The fish, after filling up with mackerel—on which he feeds— floats near the surface, motionless, his sharp sickle-shaped dorsal fin alone sticking out above the water, and serving to betray his position. If the boat approaches ‘across his bows,’ so to speak, or ‘headon, he will lie perfectly still and let it almost go over him; but you can’t follow, him from behind; he is suspicious of that situation and is off. He can dart like a flash of lightning. No other fish has such power of force and swiftness in darting. It is this that makes his otherwise not strong and rather harmless sword such a formidable weapon; a rifle, it is said, can drive even a tallow candle through a window-pane. The harpooner throws his lance, and buries it deeply in the fish ; perhaps throws it almost clear through his vitals; at any rate, the strong barbed iron ‘holds.’ The instant the harpoon is hurled, over goes the barrel, too, thrown by a person who is 104 Literature—Necrology. watching for that exact moment—for the wounded fish darts off at an incredible rate, and makes the foam and spray rise well up over the barrel. This barrel reveals his course, as well as hampering him and wearying him; and one of the crew now lowers a boat and goes after him, to ‘play’ him, draw him in, and try to exhaust him. If he can only once get a loop around the slender bottom of that widely forked mackerel tail, he is sure of landing his prey—and not till then.— Hartford Times. LITERATURE, JOURNALS RECEIVED.—American Naturalist; Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club; Botanical Gazette; Journal of the New York Microscopical Society; American Microscopical Journal; Microscopical Bulletin; Naturalists’ Companion; Ornithologist and Oologist; Century Magazine; St. Nicholas; Random Notes on Natural History; Bookmart; Journal of Mycology; Hoosier Naturalist; San Diego (daily) Union; Daily San Diegan; Riverside Enterprise; National City Record; American Rural Home; San Bernardino Index; Censor; Plain Truth; Scientific American; Pacific Rural Press; Stanislaus Wheat Grower; Youths’ Companion. OTHER PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.—Contributions to the Larval History of Pacific Coast Coleoptera. By J. J. Rivers. Flora of our South-western Archipelago.—l. By Wm. S. Lyon. : Names and Addresses of Health Officers in Michigan, for 1886-87. 3 Proceedings and Addresses at the Sanitary Convention held at Kalamazoo, Michigan, June I and 2, 1882. Thirteenth Annual Report of the Secretary of the State Board of Health of Michigan, for the Year 1885. NECKOLQOG Y. George Busk, F. R. S., F. G. S., etc., an English naturalist, has recently died. Frank K. Rising, of Lena, Illinois, a promising writer on natural history, died June 29th, at the age of 19 years. NWOTES AND News IN COFFEE-GROWING countries, an infusion of the leaves of the tree is held by many as being superior to the infusion of the berry. Tue volcano of Kilauea, in the Sandwich Islands, is again active. AN ANCIENT and for a long time inactive volcano on the Island of Galita in the Mediterranean has resumed activity, Vesuvius has broken out again. Tue city health officer, in his report to the Board of Trustees, reported ten deaths in San Diego for the month of August. The causes were given as follows: Enteritis,2; consumption, 2; convulsions, 1; mala- rial fever, 1; whooping cough, 1; suicide, 1; diptheria, 1; unclassified, 1, He places the population at 8,500—an increase of 4,000 in one year. Mr. A. D. Pearson reports a Gambell’s partridge from this county. No. 18 was issued September 27th. D. CLEVELAND has returned to San Diego from the East. He has been absent for more than a year. Dr. C. C. Parry expects to winter in California. C. GILBERT WHEELER has paid San Diego a visit. A SEA-MONSTER, Which was ‘neither a shark nora whale,’ was recently observed in San Diego bay. It was said to move at the rate of fifty miles an hour, and was observed by several reliable people. It was subse- quently captured and proved to be a wharf pile that had broken loose! THREE distinct shocks were felt at San Diego at about 4 a. m., on the 8th of October. The last was felt for several moments. They seemed to extend from east to west. Tue second horticultural fair of San Diego county was held October 6,7 and 8. A fine display of fruits was made by various sections of the county, and numerous other objects as well, illustrative of its resources. AN EXAMINATION of 10,000 prescriptions by English physicians has shown the drugs most used to be chloroform, bromide of potassium, sal volatile, glycerine, syrup of orange peel, wine of ipecacuanha, sulphate of quinine, bicarbonate of soda, carbonate of ammonia and bicarbonate of potash. THERE are nineteen known metals valued at over $1,000 per avoirdu- pois pound. The most costly is vanadium, which is said to be worth $10,000 a pound. Of these nineteen metals, only one is produced or used 106 Notes and News, to any considerable extent, and that is iridium, which is valued at $1,000 per pound. It is sometimes, but very sparingly, used in electrical experi- ments. A MAN who lived in the swamp daily prayed to Jupiter for health. ‘Pray from the hill-top, and your prayer will be granted,’ answered Ju- piter.—H. C. Futron, in Random Notes on Natural History. Durine his expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro, Mr. H. H. Johnson no- ticed a singular resemblance or ‘mimicry’ . between the appearance of the tall red-brown antelope and the mounds built by the white ant. The color being the same and the long grass hiding the animal’s legs, it was really difficult to distinguish an antelope from an ant-hill. A more ludi- crous exactness was sometimes given to the mimicry by the sharply pointed leaves of a kind of squill, which suggested the horns of an ante- lope. BALLOONS as an adjunct of warfare are attracting much attention in ‘European military circles, and their possible value in times of peace are not entirely overlooked. An English writer remarks that the recent suc- cessful attempts at balloon-steerage in France have led many. thoughtful persons to believe the day not to be far distant when we shall see bal- loons plying in well-paying passenger traffic between England and the Continent. Another writer adds that such a result would be no more wonderful in its way than the discovery and development of the tele- phone, which, though scarcely a decade old, is already so familiar to us that it no longer seems strange. Since the scientific world was surprised, in 1877, by Cailletet’s and Pictet’s announcements of the production of liquefied oxygen, several ex- perimenters—especially Wroblewski and Olzewski—have successfully at- ‘tacked the problem of liquefying the so-called permanent gases. It was at first thought necessary to employ great pressure in addition to great cold, but in the later researches both oxygen and nitrogen, as well as atmos- pheric air, have been made liquid by intense cold at very moderate pres- sures. Among the interesting results obtained are the following: At 152 degrees below zero, Fahrenheit, chlorine forms orange colored crystals; at 175 below hydrochloric acid is a solid; at 200 below ether solidifies; at 202 below absolute alcohol freezes; at 299 below oxygen boils; at 312 be- low air boils; and at 337 below air boils in a vacuum. These extraordi- nary temperatures were measured by means of a hydrogen thermometer and by athermopile. The lowest temperature yet measured is 373 de- grees below zero, which was produced by the evaporation of solid nitro- gen on suddenly reducing the pressure. From these results it appears probable that every known substance within the reach of man will be eventually obtained in solid form by the mere withdrawal of heat. Weta 3 a sed Sp ais kee ce 2 a Ri Fg r * ae ‘000. in preseuts with each box. Agents OO Dan NA Is Unbess 2a ret Bass. 7) and 72 South Los Angeles Street, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. J ATIVE and Exotic Plants, Shrubs and Ornamental Trees. A specialty of Australian, Cape aud Japanese plauts, adapted to our climate, and of Roses suitable to Southera ‘California. Grevillia Robusta, ‘the’ sidewalk tree, and Strawberry Guaya, in great quan- tity and low prices. Strong, large pot-plants of new roses; ‘Her Majesty,’ ‘ Phe Bride,’ and ‘American Reauty," can be sent by freight to Sada Diego at less cost and more security than small mail p!aats from the East. Cut blooms of these roxes ei gods -d at $1.00 a piece during the past seacsov inthe Eastera markets. Address, WM. S. LYON, Manager. 23 FRUIT AND FARM LANDS IN LOWER CALIFORNIA. ‘Mine Intermational Company of Mexico, OLE owners aid oly authorized Colonization Agents of the Mexican Government for Lower Califoraia. First: NATIONAL BANK BULL, Saa Diego, California. 29 fit 9 mn Pc) a ae ager ST Gea DOT TA he A Guide to the Practical Study of Plants. Y D. M’ALrIne, F.C. S., Lecturer on Botany, Edinburgh. Containing Representations of the Leadiog Forms of Plaut Life, with Practical Directions and Explanatory Text. | For the u-e of feachers aad Students. Divided into Cryptogams and Phanerogams, with 62 Pull Colored Priates. Bound ia two volumes, cloth. Price $6.00 per volume. at ee oe ge ee CEN CO, N.S Me ek aha 1 eae Pe) oy AC Ce Ee is Ss AS ET A ee (Including Comparative Auatomy.) Y D, M’AcpiInn, F.C. 8, Lecturer ou Biology and Natural History, Edinburgh; author of “the Botanical Atia’s, ’ ete.. With Directions aud Explanatory Text, for the use of Studcats. Coataining 480 Colored Figures aud Diagrams. Divided into Vertebrata and Tuvertebrata. Haadsomely bound in. cloth, with gilt ek ‘two volumes. Price $5.00 per:volume. Sold by dealers, ‘or. “THE CENTURY CO:, N. é HEL P for for. workiig pevple: Send 10 ceats postage,and we will mail you free, a royal, valuable sample box. of goods that will pat you in the way of making more inmaey in afew days than you have ever thought possible at any busivess. Capital not re- quire d. You caa live at home and work jn spare time only, or allthe time. Ail of both cexes, of all ages, grandly successful. 50 ceuts to $5 easily earned every evening. that all who waut work may test the busiuess, we make this uuperalleled offer. ‘Yo all who are not well satisfied we will send 41 to pay for the trouble of writing us. Fall particulars, direc- tidus, ete., sent free. Immens:e pay absolutely sure for all who start atouce. Don’t ere Address SLINSON & Co., Portland, Maine. Wi? \j more inohey than at aaything else by takine an-agency for the best selling book out. 1 Beginners succeed graudly.. None fail. Terms free. HALLELL BOOK Co., es laad, M Maine. A | R 171 }—Send six cents for postage FIELDS are scarce, but those who X and receive free, a costly COLD write to Stinson & Co., Portland, box of goods which will kelp you to more -Maine, will receive free, full in- mouey right away than anything else in formation about work which they can do, this worid. Ali, of either’ sex, succeed aud live at home, that will pay them from from the first hour. The broad road.to,for- | $5 to $25 per day. Some have earned over tine opens before the workers, absolutely $50 in a day. Hither sex, young or old: sure. At once address, TRUE & CO. , Augus- | Capital notrequired. You are started free. ta, Maine. 24 Those who start at once are absolutely sure $100,000 | SURPLUS FUND, + * - $25, ase Sa rips OFFICERS, | DIREC TORS. | HIRAM MABMRY, JAMFS M. PIERCE, BRYANT HOWARD * - President ; GEV. A. COWLES, E. W. MORSE JAMES M. PIERCE.” »- - Vice-President | O. S. WITHELBY, JAMES McCOx,, I OEENY GEN DY as Ans enh oD - ‘Cashier BRYAN? HOWARD. _ . Exchange on San Fraucisco, Chicago, New York, London, Paris, and other Principal Cities of ‘Burope aad America, bought and sold. 4 a = SAN PUMao wre wT, DAILY AND -WEEKLY...~ SAN DIEGO UNION CO., 5 - Propyri ators. HE UNION WAS ESCABLISHED IN 1868. UNTIL 1871 If WAS PUBLISHED ONLY. once a week, when the daily was begun. TH# DAILY UNION is. published every moras ing except Monday, fue WeEKLY UNION is published’ every ‘‘hursday. nk THz SAN DiEG@o Union is the oldest of t .e 41 newspapers published 14 Sonthern Calif or- nia. Of the 38spapers published in the State, 207 have been started since it began publi- cation. It is more than five years older tha: AB oi the jouruals of California, aid more | ~ than ten years the senior of 168 of them. It has a larger boua fide circulation tian she: iy other newspaper pi1blished in Southera California, er ea We WA Ee Te oe A large, eight-page paper of fifty-six columns, circulates very largely abroad, as well as ‘at home. It goes to nearly every family in the country, aud its subscribers “stay with it? Tt f is conceded to be the best California weekly publisted ont of San Francisco. Both daily | aad weekly editions circulate largely thro: igh Southern California, Arizoun, New Mexico, f and contiguous territory. It has subseribsrs in thirty-five of the thirty- -eight States, aud in | British Columbia, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, © Italy, Australian Colonies. The wide circ alation, influential ‘position and i dary! character of the paper are undisputed. Persons wishing accurate information respecting | 4 es the Southern part of California should subscribe for THE UNION. Sample copies seat on application. TERMS: en i THE WEEKLY MINION: THE) DAILY UNIO: | a One Year - » + - > © $800 |} One Year. .- = . $10 00 | Six BIOMOL Bix MORES, la ees caine qin sn Three Months - - - - - - 75 Three Montos -. - : - > 2/50 4 One Month - - - - - - 25 One Month - - - wae ee - S 60 AGAreSs oh ox THE UNION, San eae, CaL.. “MORSE, WHALEY & DALTON, SAN DIEGO, CAL., Poneen Real. ESTATE DEALERS. | byoe ke Time: a Exclusive Control of Valuable Properties. % —— Money to Loan, Taxes Paid for Non-Residents, Rents Collected, Etc. REFERENCE, fin ea ee CONSOLIDATED NATIONAL BANK. Printed at the NatronaL’ C1ry Recorp Steam Printing-house, National City, Cal. oe " ie | bs ya K a VotumeE III. DECEMBER, 1886. WHOLE No. 20. ta ny | THE ) ‘ West + American « Scientist, A Popular Review and Record for the Pacific Coast. Official Organ of the San Diego Society of Natural History. Cin mOmue tie 0) EDITOR. CONTENTS: EATS AR Es VE RAAULGD, 4 Win'alalFstaigis' wi p'c @ ia tmes &v'e Windus Ran COROCHE. sh eabaeterate I A New Genus of Grasses, Illustrated...... Dr. Geo, Vasey «...s3ss% 4 “The Grass of the Field..... Mee Margttierate's «fast | SVR CaS RE in ge Peg si pc EOL 6 Something New, Illustrated ............... Ce VOrenticn ea ws 8 Pea OMS AIR eae eh INNA CUTE dak’ e's ¢ lende' a «ois wine ea sletain «Sb sia Gye II PRTC S AM CMMET SIO CIN eal Made 'a/ enc a «Gi ava o 8cdie Melb bialle osc y ahead I2 mIeA-WECIING, OF SCAG WS... sas iaja)'s Sie ake 0 Eaura}, F Fecox. oii 12 Plabits: of the SCOmtons. sn. dv cele ss cesses Land and Water........ 13 PERG THOUS ( SUOUG os? cece dette eats gia.ie 6,018 SAGLSCLOE dic dinsa in Depeleeremen 15 BIOL DOUG S Viniate o eipiuis choi iaiy a MePm Mapp re nas Aw aad Wh hs aH oon tee «v8 dye Mv wT ee A 15 a RAI ER TERIA soa nl wm bro eA cE ae ait pas sw ina Ste ode gi alee cant wat ata elute So 15 RCMP ONGENCE. 5's ge die late id Matattinie a Swiaxde ein wide bis, vip ous SH Nera 16 RpOeCCECINGS: Of SOCISMCS are ein as di Ud Uraeia od dice bieea hej Lay Sot RR eee 16 LCE aT ISS Rena R76 Beg 8 21 ASE a IO ong kg Our Waker a sty 17 MAGES ATLA TIN WS o12'i5 Cone as ae alate cod wa ia’ S Aaah a AIRS ecole a MOM Beatie 18 PEMD ai ina ate cab nlea, 3) bine aha ewOal Ln HA eke Hkracote Nie cae ic oak eum a nga d 20 . Bee wiCrentis Of (Charnidaes en). oss wile pe cteaie Ue vine «2 os Ul ou oabbUeRe 21 dit SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. Rar am: ware Price, 10 Cents. Per year, $1.00. [Entered at the Postoffice at San Diego as second-class matter. HAMILTON & CO. DAN WOTrEGO,; ‘CAL. Dealers in General Merchandise —_—4-—_-— A SUPPLY STORE FOR FARMERS and FAMILIKS.. a 8 Aloe We handle the products of this county, and ask for Honey, Beeswax, Clives, San Diego Raisins, Oranges, Lemons, Etc, GEO. W. ROBERTS, Real Estate Agent, NATIONAL CITY, TERMINUS OF CALIFORNIA Southern R. R., 4 miles South of San Diego. Correspondence solicited. s The latest thing in Dentistry, ARTIFICIAL. Dr i J B ARNKS Dentist TEETH WITHOUT PLATES, or Bridge- ' . ‘ j * work and Artificial Tooth Crown. Gas for painless extraction. Office in Young’s Block, corner 5th and F streets, San Diego, Cal. hw DAN DIEGO LAND ao TOUT COMPANY This Company offers for sale in tracts to suit purchasers 0,000 Acres of the Choicest Fruit Lands on the Continent. These lands lie adjacent to the Bay of San Diego, Convenient to Towns, Markets, Schools, Churches and Railroad facilities... For profitable and successful culture of Oranges, Lemons, Apples, Grapes, Pears, Peaches, Apricots, Olives, and an endless variety of other fruits, besides Gardening, General Farming, Raisin, Wine and Grape Growing, these lands offer advantages not found elsewhere, and will be sold to Actual Settlers at Low Prices (and on Hasy Termes. The Company also offers for sale Lots and Blocks in National City, Cal, the Paciic Coast Terminus of the Southwestern Rallway System. This part of the Pacific Southwest, favored with a perfect climate, soil of unsurpassed fertility, unexcelled natural advantages, is destined to rank first in wealth and population. For Maps, further particulars, and full information respecting the advantages offered. by this part of Southern California, address Wo ea DOK EIN SON, Supt. San Diego Land and Town Company, National City, California. THe West American Scientist, Vor. IIL. DECEMBER, 1886. Notre SANA DOR UZ. ISLAND. BY E, L. GREENE. An opportunity has lately been afforded me of visiting this largest island of the Santa Barbara group. Although itis perhaps the most easily accessible of them all, it has remained among the last to be explored scientifically. My own researches, the first ever made there in any branch of natural history, have been con- fined to botany ; but in my several weeks of daily botanizing I could not but become more or less familiar with the physical aspects of the island in general, and my impressions thereof may be worth recording. The island is some thirty miles long and from five to ten wide, and, as seen from Santa Barbara, only twenty-five miles distant. appears to rise like a blue precipitous mountain range from the bosom of the sea. The near approach reveals nothing but a succession of sharply outlined hills rising abruptly one behind another, the highest ridge attaining an alti- tude of, I believe, a little under four thousand feet. This length- wise range of mountain, which constitutes the body of the island, is intersected at short intervals by deep and narrow cations which run down*to the sea. In most of these running water is to be found at almost any time in the year, so that the island may be said to be well watered, and the common trees of the main land are to be found thriving in allthese caiions, such as the large leaved maple, (Acer Macrophyllum) live oak, (Quercus agrifolia) pop- lar, (Populus trichocarpa) willow, (Salix laevigata) and many others. And vet, the tree which is commonest of all in similar situations on the nearest mainland, the sycamore (Platanus race- mosa), is entirely absent from Santa Cruz. Heteromeles arbuti- folia is altogether more abundant here than I have ever seen it elsewhere, but there grows along with it a fine large *ceanothus which is quite new to science, The mouths of these various calions afford the only landing places along all the shore.. The gravelly beds of the streamlets are the only portions of theisland’s whole surface, which lead down gradually to the sea. At such points only will the boatman or sailor find a narrow strip of beach, * CEANOTHUS ARBOREUS, Greene, Bull, Cal. Acad. ii. 144. 2 West American Scientist. and that barely commensurate with the breadth of the caiion it- self. With these exceptions, the whole coast of the island rises almost or quite perpendicularly from the water, the first terrace of comparatively horizontal ground setting in at the height of from twenty-five to five hundred feet above the tide. This lowest suc- cession of slopes constitutes a considerable part of the best grazing land of the island. It is an open rolling district extending inland for a mile or more, everywhere intersected by the narrow gorges or callons, covered with fine grass and dotted with clumps of scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) and some patches of manzanita, with here and there a grove of | Lyonothamnus, a tree peculiar to this island, very ornamental, of graceful contour, with ample fern- like leaves, and large corymbs of small white flowers. Back of this terrace the land rises very abruptly, and breaks everywhere into rocky shelves and gorges, and the herbaceous and grassy vegetation gives place to a great variety of trees and shrubs. but of different kinds from those which occupy the deeper _and larger cafons where water is. Here are dense forests of a small pine tree, doubtless of the same species, whatever that be, which is found on Guadalupe and Cedros, five hundred miles to the southward: clumps of a large fruited evergreen cherry, identical, I have no doubt, with Prunus ilicifolia of the mainland, but with foliage commonly of quite different character, but sometimes just the same, and aitogether extremely variable: 1mpenetrable thick- ets of manzanita, from out which thererises here and there a group of oaks, both Quercus chrysolepis and Q. agrifolia. Thus the northward slope of Santa Cruz is well supplied with wood, grass and water, and it is the favorite range of many thousands of the sheep with which the island is at present mainly stocked. From the summit of the highest ridge one looks southward, not down to the sea on the othr side as one would expect, but rather into a long, narrow valley, beyond which arises a second range of mountain, less elevated than that whereon we suppose ourselves to be standing, yet high enough to shut out from view the ocean which lies beyond. _ Up and down this stretc of valley are fenced fields and vineyards, and, in the midst of all, an assemblage of cottages and barns. Here dwell the superintendent of the island and the forty or fifty laboring men who are variously employed to carry on the industries of farming, fencing and building, which the present enterprising owner of Santa Cruz has set on foot in addition to that of sheep and cattle raising, to which the island was exclusively devoted in earlier times, under other proprietors. A considerable stream, flowing all through the year, courses down the entire length of this valley, finding an outlet in the fine bay called Prisoner’s Harbor. Its passage way through the mountains is an exceedingly beautiful cation, broad enough in its bed to +L. ASPLENIFOLIUs, Greene, Bull. Cal. Acad. i. 187. Santa Cruz Island. 3 form an easy roadway between the ranch and the wharf a distance of three miles. In the neighborhood of the landing are some vegetal traces of early settlers whose names are now lost: for ex- ample, the common castor bean grows luxuriantly along the bases of the bluffs, almost as if indigenous, which of course it can not be, and the tree has not been planted on the island by any one within the memory of people now dwelling there; and fennel, of equally undoubted foreign derivation, is plentiful ‘high up on ‘the hillsides, at this same point, but not elsewhere. Also a single large and shapely pear tree, very prolific and its fruit of fair qual- ity, a tree which must be fifty, if not eighty years old, flourishes on a level piece of ground, just at the entrance of the cation. The cafion though deep is not so very narrow, room being found for considerable groups, here and there, of live oaks, willows and poplars, besides a liberal growth of the smaller trees and shrubs, such as are familiar. But the precipices and rocky steeps on either side are the home of some more than usually interesting bushes, whose charm to the botanist’s eye lies in the fact that they are peculiar to this island, have not been met with in any other part of the wide world, not even on the other islands of the group. The two or three miles width of mountains which lie westward of the central valley, and form a dozen miles of the island’s south- ward slope, bear a difterent vegetation from that of the northward slope. It takes the character of what is called, in California, chaparral, con isting of adenostoma, ceancthus, two species of manzanita, two or three kinds of scrub oak and a singularly large, shrubby §castilleia, the whiteness of whose foliage presents a striking contrast to the bright green of the other shrubbery amid which it grows. But the chaparral is neither so dense nor so universally prevalent as to exclude grassy vegetation, and the whole southward slope as well as the north side of the island affords abundant pasture. The oaks and manzanitas, although lower than the same species on the mainland, fruit plentifully, and this region is consequently the favorite haunt of countless wild hogs and small foxes. These two species of mammals, the first, ofc course, having been introduced, are the only wild animals larger than mice, which inhabit the island. Even the rabbits, so com- mon elsewhere in California, are wanting here. The proprietor introduced, some years ago, wild turkeys from Texas, and they survive, but have scarcely multiplied, a circumstence to be ac- counted for by the almost incredible number of foxes which one Greene, Bull. Torr Club, x. 4r. § CAST'LLEIA HOLOLEUCA. Shrubby, 3 to 5 feet high, white throughout with a dense floccose tomentum: branches slender, leafy, with axillary, elongated, very leafy branchlets: leaves all narrowly linear, entire, 1 to 2 inches long, less than a line wide: spike, 2 to 4 inches long, short- peduncled: bracts linear-spatulate, entire, on the uppermost 3-cleft. with cream colored tips: calyx 8 lines long, deeply cleft on the upper side, merely lobed on the lower: galea of the co- rolla shorter than the tube, exserted, straight. Species allied to C, foliolosa, but many times larger, with denser tomentum, and different leaves and flowers, 4 West American Scientist. observes; and yet, the eggs of the California quail, which bird was. also introduced, have in some measure escaped, for this species is. fairly increasing. From the summit of this southward range the mainland view is shut out by the higher altitude of the northern range; but looking out to the sea, on a clear day, one may perceive the low island of San Nicolas more or less distinctly, although it is more than thirty miles distant. and also San Clemente which is nearer and well elevated; and besides these a greater or less number of rocky islets and low reefs that are scattered up and down along the shores of Santa Cruz itself: most of them occupied by seals and sea fowl, their tide-washed foundations covered with shell fish, the abundance of which must have been, in former times, the principal means of subsistence to the aborigines of the island. The extensive and deep kitchenmiddings, which occur wherever there are springs, constitute one of the marked features of the Santa Cruz landscape. The store of ethnological materials which these ought to have furnished to our scientific collections, has long since been gathered in and transported to the museums of the old world, in reproof of our own slowness and indifference. . But there still remains, in the flora and fauna, especially the rich marine portion, a most inviting field for future work. A NEM IGG eE VOUS OF GRASSES. OrcuTtTiA.—Tribe, Festucee@, Subtribe, Sesleriee. Panicle simple; spikelets sessile, alternate, many flowered, compressed, upper ones crowded; empty and flowering glumes much alike, green and thickish, broad, 3 to 5 lobed, unawned, strongly many nerved; palet equaling its glume, hyaline. narrow. green on the strongly angled keels; anthers 3, styles 2, filaments and styles at length projecting beyond the flower. O. CALIFORNICA.—Plant dwarf, 2 to 4 inches high, annually, growing in small clusters of 10 to 20 or more culms from one root, culms variable in length in the same cluster, generally pro- ducing some small flowering branches from the lower joints: leaves 2 or 3, the sheaths open and inflated, striate, ligule obsolete, blade rather rigid, about one inch long, acuminate; leaves and sheaths sparsely pubescent; panicle about one inch long, simple, usually of 4 to 6 alternate sessile spikelets, the lower 2 or 3 rather distant, the upper ones. crowded; spikelets 5 to 10 flowered, empty glumes sparsely pubescent, broad, about 2 lines long, scariously margined, mostly 3 lobed, the 2 outer lobes longer, the lobes each 3 nerved; flowering glumes a little exceed- ing 2 lines, with 5 nearly equal, acute lobes, each lobe three nerved; palet as long as its glume, hyaline, narrow, strongly keeled, dentate at apex. Orcuttia Salifornica, Vasey. 6 West American Scientist. Sometimes several spikclets are clustered together at the apex of the culm, with only one pair of empty glumes for all. This interesting little grass was collected in April last near San Quentin Bay, Lower California, by Mr. C. R. Orcutt, whose zeal and industry in the cause of naturai science has greatly increased our knowledge of that region, and has brought to light a con- siderable number of new species in addition to the present genus. I take pleasure in naming it as a proper recognition of his work. DESCRIPTION OF PLATE: Figure 1, plant, natural size; figure 2,a spikelet magnified; figures 3, 4 and 5, different forms of the glumes enlarged; figure 6, palet, style and siamen, enlarged, Dr. GEORGE VASEY. Pee RASS OF THE FIELD If the humble grass of the field, Whose bloom passes quickly away, When morning breaks o’er hill and vale, Is clothed in beauty’s bright array. Shall not the lovers of beauty, By the Author of all things fair, Be clothed with immortal bloom, And His love and His glory share? November 16, 1886. EMINENT NATURALISTS—I/I. AUGUSTUS A. GOULD, M. D. The name of Dr. Gould well deserves a place in the list of those -who have done noble work in the department of Natural History. A good man and a true, kind, patient, and full of perseverance, he has left an example worthy of imitation, and full of encourage- ment for all who are striving to accomplish by patience what they can not hope to gain by rapid and brillant achievements. A native of New Hampshire, born in 1805, most of his life was spent in Boston, in the practice of his profession. He was a thorough student and wrote largely on conchological subjects, his most noted works being “ The Invertebrate Animals of Massachusetts,” and ‘‘Mollusks and Shells of the United States Exploring Expedition under Capt. Wilkes,” *The Mollusca of the North Pacific Expedition under Capts. Ringgold and Rogers,’” and ‘“ Otia Conchologica.”’ Eminent Naturalists. 7 On the death of Dr. Amos Binney, another name worthy of high honor, Dr. Gould was selected as the proper person to edit and complete the great unfinished work of that author on the ‘- Land Shells of the United States.” To show the quality of the man, let me quote a few lines from a letter which I once received from Mr. Dall, now at the head of the Conchological Department of the €mithsonian Institution at Washington. He writes: ‘*Dr. Gould, excellent man and natu- ralist as he was, when I went to him, a young fellow, with a ques- tion such as you have asked of me, said in effect, ‘ you must go ahead and earn your living, and use your leisure for study, as I have done, only don’t wait for the leisure to be greater; do some- thing, if but little, every day, otherwise, when wealth or age give you greater leisure, your interest will have faded and your cppor- tunity will be gone.’”’ Grand words, full to the brim of the true idea of education ! Mr. Dall adds: ‘Dr. Gould’s work was done in the occasional spare moments of a not wealthy physician, in active practice, ped which he depended for his daily bread.” One of our most common shore shells, the little checkered Lit- torine, Littorina scutulata, received its name from this eminent naturalist. As you pick up the humble little shell on the beach let it always remind of the man who studied its peculiarities and gave it its name. Let it bring before you the most exceilent ad- vice and example of Dr. Gould, and remember that it is as good for any other department of knowledge as for the study of shells. Oh, this question of bread and butter! How it weighs upon us. If only we were rich and had plenty of spare time, what marvels we would accomplish! How we would study and invest- igate ; what books we would read, and what books we would write ! Would we? Do most of the rich men whom we know indulge in such occu- pation? Grand words are those of the busy physician, bringing cheer and stimulus to our aspiring, but sometimes almost discouraged souls: “You must go ahead and earn your living, and use your leisure for study, as T have done; only don’t wait for the leisure to be greater; do something, if but little, every day.” Dr. Gould’s end was sudden, almost tragic; he died of cholera, Sept. 15th, 1866. Though he was so suddenly called to lay aside his leisure hour studies, his published works remain and bear testimony to the ex- cellent use he made of those fragments of time, which so easily might have been frittered away in idleness or unprofitable employ- ments. The story of such a life is worthy of being recorded in a 8 West American Scientist. book which may be widely read by the youth of our land. The active hours of the day spent in healing the sick and relieving pain; the leisure moments devoted to earnest, successful study of the beautiful and instructive objects of nature, and in recording these observations for the use of others: well may his modest words and his noble example bid us melt the yellow dust of our leisure moments into bars of solid gold. JostAH KEEP. SOMETHING NEW. A long time ago, we may call it millions or we may call it thousands, of years ago,a little colony of oyster-like mollusks be- gan its existence beneath the ocean wave not far from where now stands the little town of Encenada de Todos Santos—the capital ot the Mexican teriitory of Lower California. Another colony located in a part of the county of Mendocino, California; and doubtless many a colony was founded at about the same period of the world’s history, along our shores, whose unwritten archives are still hidden from our view. However, Mother Earth, to whom we have to look for all our records of prehistoric life and times, has revealed her scanty records of these two settlements, made by the same race of bivalves, separated by more than five hundred miles of territory. In January, 1883, a pleasure party of naturalists visited the shore of Todos Santos bay, a hundred miles south of. San Diego by wagon road. Visiting the hut of a Canadian’ who possessed one leg and a reputation for fishing, in search of ichthyological treasures tor one of the party, a number of curious water-worn boulders were found lying on the shingly beach. A couple of these, which seemed to most resemble shells, were carried to the wagon, and a year later found their way to the National Museum at Washington. In 1885, H. C. Orcutt and the writer again visited this little cove on the bay side of what is locally known as Punta Banda. The Canadian was dead, but the shingly beach remained, and strewn along with volcanic rocks and recent shells were found others of this interesting fossil and forthwith a successful search for a bed of them was made. a The deposit was found exposed for only a few, hundred feet, just above high water, large portions having been undermined by the waves in places and broken away. The strata was only four to six feet in thickness and was frequently broken, terminating abruptly and reappearing again, but sloping differently and show- ing an evident upheaval and dislocation at some pericd in its history. A strata of clay was found underlying the formation and cobblestones above, tertiary deposits overlying the whole, forming ANTON A sos A) STR : os AW : : ANN oe \ Bac II, Corallicchama Oreutti, White, C Uy i SMX If: iy St iochama Orcutti, White Corall F Something New. EF steep cliffs fifty or sixty feet inheight. The deposit was found to consist of this large fossil almost exclusively and only on the closest examination were we so fortunate as to discover others, several small univalve shells, which also proved to be new to “Science. Another year passed by, during which time another collection was received at Washington from Mendocino county, where they had been discovered by Dr. G. F. Becker, and then Dr. C. A. White of the United States National Museum christened them with the name, Coralliochama, and pronounced them the type of a new genus. | Through the kindness of Prof. S. F. Baird and Dr. C.A. White we are able to present the accompanying illustrations of this inter- esting and curious fossil, about which further details may be given in a future paper. EXPLANATION OF PLATES—I. Cardinal view of an adult example, natural size. II. Fig. 1, Cardinal view of a partly grown example, natural size. Fig. 2. Opposite view of another example. Fig. 3. Section of a portion of an upper valve, showing the outer prismatic layer, the inner porcellanous layer, and the cellular inner layer, with the vertical plates of the outer portion of the outer layer. Partly diagrammatic; natural ‘size. Fig. 4. Diagram of a transverse section of a lower valve, showing the outer prismatic layer, the innner porcellanous layer, and the middle cellular layer. SONOROUS SAND, We copy the following letter by W. R. Frink from the Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., V. 339, describing the peculiarities of the sonor- ous sand of the Island of Kaui, of the Hawaiian group: ‘The bank, which is composed of this sand, commences at a perpendicular bluff at the southwest end of the island, and extends one and a half miles almost due south, parallel with the beach, which is about ore hundred yards distant from the base of the sand-bank. This sand-drift is about €o0 feet high, and at the extreme north end the angle preserved is as steep as the nature of the sand will permit. The bank is constantly extending to the south. It is said by the natives, that at the bluff and along the middle of the bank. the sand ‘is not sonorous. But at the southern end and for halt a mile north, if you slap two handfuls together, there is a sound produced like the low hooting of an owl—more or less sharp, according as the motion is quick or slow. Sit down upon the sand and give one hand a quick, circular motion, andthe sound is like the heavy base of a melodeon. Kneel upon the steep incline, extent the two hands, and clasp as much sand as possible, slide rapidly down carrying all the sand you can, and the sound accumulates as you descend, until it is like distant thunder. In this experiment the sound was sufficient to frighten our horses, fastened a short distance from the base of the drift. | I2 West American Scienttst. ‘But the greatest sound we produced was by having one native lie upon his belly, and another taking him by the feet and dragging him rapidly down the incline, carrying as much sand as possible with him. With this experiment the sound was terrific, and could have been heard many hundred yards distant. With all. the experiments made, it seemed the sound was in proportion to the amount of sand put in motion with a proportionate velocity. Another consideration seems requisite, that is, its perfect dryness. The dry sand would sound on the surface, where six inches beneath it is wet; but if any of the wet sand become mingled with the dry, its property of sounding ceased at once. The sand appears to the eye like ordinary beach sand, but ordinary beach sand will not produce the sounds. It has been said that it lost its sonorous properties when taken away from the bank. But I can discover no diminishing of its sonorous qualities, even with the bottle uncorked, and we have had rain frequently and an atmosphere more than ordinarily moist for this time of year. Perhaps, if exposed to a very damp atmosphere, it might absorb moisture enough to prevent its sounding.’ THREES AWAKE” AND? ASLEEP. Science has found out something very novel, namely, that the fruit tree slumbers in daytime and works at night. This modern idea is that fruit trees acquire most of their growth at night. The fruit of the cherry laurel, for instance, has been found by Dr. Krauss, of Halle, to increase at the rate of 90 per cent. at night and only ro per cent. by day, while apples increase 80 per cent. at night and 20 per cent. in the daytime.—V. Y. Mail and Ex- press. See CHINS OR. SEA PCEE Strongylocenttrotus purpuratus, A. Ag., is the somewhat long name of the common Sea-urchin or sea-egg found so plentiful along the ccast from Puget Sound to Santa Cruz, Cal., and I do not know but its range is north and south of those points. It is eaten by some, and it was a choice dish upon the tables of the Greeks and Romans. I never tried to eat them, but have seen others do so, and they have said they were very fine. Jn color it is dark violet when alive, but the dried tests have a greenish tint. They are found at low tide in little holes in the rock, which they make by fixing themselves to the rock by means of their tentacles, and making an incision by means of their strong teeth. removing the debris with their spines as fast as it is produced It isa beautiful sight to go to Moore’s beach at Santa Cruz, at low tide, and look in the tide pools, or aquariums as they are sometimes called, and see them all lined with violet sea-urchins, each in their little homes. They look some like a chestnut with the burr on, Sea- Urchins or Sea- Leggs. rF with the exception of the color. They are much more beautiful in the water than out. They walk by means of their terminal suckers. Whatever their posture, they have always a certain number of feet, which carry them, and suckers, with which they attach themselves. I have seen the animal walk by turning upon itself like a wheei in motion. S. Franciscanus A. Ag., is one of the largest of the sea-eggs, attaining a diameter of six inches across the test. It is found at various points upon the Pacific coast, from Queen Charlotte’s Island to San Diego, and A. Agassiz gives Formosa also as one of its localities. At Santa Cruz, they are found at very low tide by wading out as far as you can, and feeling under the rocks, and great bowlders. once part of the cliff that rises up about thirty feet above the beach. The young ones are found nearer the shore. The S. Franciscanus are not so beautiful as the S. purpuratus, because they are brown when grown and a greenish white when young. Echinarachnius exeentricus, Val, is the common cake-urchin of the Pacific coast, found at all points from Sitka to Lower Cali- fornia, and also at Kamtschatka. When dead it is a pure white with the almost perfect impression of a leaf of the lupine on its back. When alive, it is a very dark color, sometimes almost black, with sharp and fine spines covering it. It is sometimes washed up by the waves on the beach, but it don’t stay long in sight because it burrows in the sand as soon as the waves that washed it up go back.—Lauza J. F. Hecox in Science Gossip. MLAB LS (OF i TITE “SCORPION. A few years ago, while in the island of Jamaica, it was my fortunate chance to have an opportunity for observing some very curious facts in connection with that genus of the Arachnide class commonly known as scorpions and the curious traits of character in these insects Turning over some old papers in my office one day, I suddenly came upon a large black scorpion, who promptly tried to beat a precipitate retreat. Having read or heard some- where that if you blow on a scorpion he will not move, I tried the experiment, and was greatly astonished to find that it had that effect. The scorpion stopped instantly, flattened himself close to the paper on which he had been running, and had all the appear- ance of ‘holding on for dear life. While I continued to blow even quite lightly, he refused to move, though I pushed him with a pencil and shook the paper to which he clung so tenaciously. Directly I ceased blowing, he advanced cautiously, only to stop again at the slightest breath. I was thus able to secure him ina glass tumbler which happened to be within reach, and then [ determined to try another experiment as to the suicidal tenden- cies which I had heard ran in the veins of the Pedipalpi family. I4 West American Sctentts}. On the stone floor of the kitchen attached to my office, [| arranged a circle of burning sticks about three yards in circum- ference, the sticks being so placed that there were no means of exit through the fire. It was not intense, but small and quite bearable as regards heat within a few inches, so that the central part of the circle was perfectly cool. Into this center I accord- . ingly dropped my scorpion, who, on reaching terra firma, darted off in a great hurry, only to be quickly brought to a halt on reaching within a few inches of the periphery of the circle. After a short pause of reflection, he deviated to the right, and ran once completely round the circle as near to the fire as it was prudent to venture. This he did three times, often approaching the burn- ing sticks quite closely in his anxious endeavors to escape. In about a quarter of an hour, finding his efforts were useless, he retired almost into the exact center of the circle, and there, ina tragic manner raised his tail till the sting or spur was close to his head, gave himself two deliberate prods in the back of the neck, and thus miserably perished. As I placed the body of the suicide in a bottle of spirits, I almost regretted that I had not let him escape before he had resorted to such an extreme measure. My last experience is even more curious than the preceeding, and it shows a remarkable provision of nature that is almost incredible. I was playing a game of billiards in a small village in the Blue Mountains; there was no ceiling to the room, the roof being covered, as is the custom in Jamaica, with cedar wood shingles. My opponent was smoking a large pipe, and suddenly, just as I was about to play a stroke, what I thought was the contents of my friend’s pipe fell on the table. Instinctively, I was on the point of brushing it off with my hand, when, to my amazement, I saw it was a moving mass, which, on closer inspec- tion, turned out to be a large female scorpion, from which ran away in every direction, a number of perfectly formed little scorpions about a quarter of an inch in length. The mother scorpion soon ended her feeble struggles; the whole of her back had been eaten out by her own offspring, of which we killed the astonishing number of thirty-eight. They had not only been carried by their parent, but they had lived on her, cleaning out her body from the shell of her back, so that she looked like an inverted cooked crab from which the edible portions have been removed. She had clung to her retreat in the shingled roof until near the approach of death, when she had fallen and given us this curious spectacle. I was told by the attendant that the young scorpions always live thus at the expense of their mother’s life, and that by the time her strength is exhausted, they are ready to shift for themselves— Land and Water. At a white heat copper passes off into vapor, which burns in the air with a green flame. The Love Stone. eee 3 LAF LOVE STOWE. Queen Victoria has made the opal fashionable again. All the gifts of jewelry that she has bestowed among her friends for the past year have been opals. : To-day they are 100 per cent. higher than they were a year ago. Good ones sell for $55 a carat, and increase in price in almost the sarne ratio as diamonds. The jewelers and precious stone dealers of the eighteenth century. who had invested largely in opals, were nearly thrown into bankruptcy by Sir Walter Scott, who, in one of his Waverly Novels, pretty nearly ruined the opal’s reputation forever. The best opals are said to come from Hungary, and everybody sends there for them. Now, the truth is that the best opal mines are in America, just where nobody is willing to tell, and the Hun- garian merchants have been having them shipped to Hungary, where they are sold as a home product. The ancients called the opal the ‘love stone,” and no blooded young Roman or Greek would have even faintly considered engaging himself in marriage if he hadn’t an opal ring for the girl.— Selected. NECROLOGY. Kendric Stillman Smith, born at Bellville, Illinois, January 24, 1869, died in San Diego, November 6, 1886. He was a careful, thorough young man of great promise, interested in oology and philately, and an earnest Christian. Prof. H. H. Straight, formerly principal of the State Normal School at Normal, Illinois, and a well-known educator, died at Pasadena, California, November 19, 1886. A CENT ORIAN. A distinguished French chemist, Michel Eugene Chevreul, celebrated his one hundredth year on the 31st of August. He demonstrated that oils and fats contained margarine, oleine and Mtcarine. Hence, the stearine candle. He was director of the ‘Gobelins Dye Works sixty years, and a close observer of the harmony of colors, etc. He presided over the Museum of Natural History many years and only gave it up in 1883. Mr. Chevreul owes his longevity to his strong constitution, temper- ance, industry and regular habits. — Scientific American. I6 West Amertcan Scientist. COREE SPONDENCE. VIENNA, Austria, August 19, 1886. We had here a very hot and dry summer, from which we are only relieved since a few days by rain and cooler weather. M.L. CARRIZO SPRINGS, Texas, Nov. 13, 1886. I send you by to-day’s mail a package of arrow heeds, most of which I have picked up since returning from your country a month ago ‘There are also some bits of gum {from the mesquite tree, the principal timber tree of this country. It makes an ex- cellent article of mucilage, for which it is used to some extent here. A. K. MELTOR, ENCINITAS, Cal., Nov. 18, 1886. I find your little scientific publication quite interesting. Can you not give us an article on the clams of our coast, varieties, habits, where may be found. etc.? Also tell an enquirer what makes the humming sound of the telegraph wire. A READER WHo Pays. mee OMTHDINGS OF -SOChITES. SAN FRANCISCO MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY.—October 16, 1886. The annual reception was noted for the brilliant display of instru- ments and objects by the many enterprising members. October 27, 1886. Numerous additions to the library were re- ceived. Anew ‘ Zeiss’ microscope was exhibited by the president. SAN DIEGO Society OF NATURAI!. History.—November, 1886. The annual meeting was made memorable by the donation by Henry Hemphill of 1000 species of shells to the museum. The election of officers occurred with the following results: President, G. W. Barnes, M. D.; Vice-President, D. Cleveland; Rec. Sec., J.-C. Sprigg,. Jr; (Corea, 0sa’ Smith; Treasurer, i hea ge ees zelberg ; ‘Curator, C. Re Orcutt; Librarian, Miss: S; “Claas Board of Directors, Dr. G. W_ Baraes, E. W. Morse, J. G. Cap- ron, D. Cleveland; Geo; Putenbaugh. No recent announcement has given more pleasure to the lovers of high and pure literature, than that which promised the early appearance of Scribner's Magazine, an entirely new illustrated monthly. The famous monthly which bore the Scribner’s name was a proof of their nice discernment and tact, and that they know exactly how to produce periodicals of the highest standard in letters and art, and at the same time achieve enormous sales. f:ditorial. 17 EDITORTAL. Christmas sends a merry greeting To our friends throughout the world, From a land of merry sunshine To a land of sleet and snow. ‘With this number, THE West AMERICAN SCIENTIST enters upon its third year in the field of scientific journalism. The year of greatest peril to a venture of this character has been passed by, and we trust that many years of active usefulness remain for it in the future. Dr. George Vasey, botanist of the United States Department of Agriculture, has kindly promised to contribute to our pages. The subject of his first article presented herewith, was a pleasant surprise, and we have to thank him also for the excellent figure accompanying it. The article was also furnished our contem- porary, the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, and was intended to have been published simultaneously in the two jour- nals in which intent we failed to carry out our part. The third of Prof. Keep’s interesting series on Eminent Naturalists appears in this number and will be read wait interest by many. Rev. E. L. Greene also contributes a valuable paper on Santa Cruz Island, where he did excellent work in botany the past summer. We proposed to have made this issue a special immigration number in the interests of Southern California, but at the last moment have found it impracticable to do so from several reasons, chief among which was our not obtaining the expected map of San Diego County and adjacent regions, and the failure of several parties to honor their verbal contracts. Subscribers, especially those who commenced with the 2nd volume, will please remember that we give twelve numbers for a year’s subscription. As we have issued only nine monthly numbers during the past year, three more will be their due. However, many of our subscribers are now in arrears and they would greatly oblige us by paying promptly. Now is the time our friends can greatly help this journal, by promptly renewing their subscriptions, by subscribing for their eastern friends, and by endeavoring to obtain subscriptions among their neighbors. Agents wanted to canvass. Our readers will be pleased to know that Prof. Josiah Keep is preparing a new volume entitled ‘‘West Coast Shells.” The excellent and popular little book, ‘Common Sea-shells of Cali- fornia,’ met a long-felt want, and as the edition of that volume is nearly exhausted, a new work becomes desirable. Is West Amertcan Sctentist. NOLES WAND NEWS. Charles H. Marsh of San Diego is making some fine ornitholo- gical specimens this season. No. 19 of this journal was issued October 3oth. Picotite has been found lately in the basalt of Mt. Shasta. A plant possessing electrical properties has been discovered in South America. Agassiz was born May 28, 1807, and died Dec. 14, 1873. . Mr. Lanfear, a man engaged in breeding camels in Texas, says of them that it is no more trouble to raise them than it is to raise horses and cattle. The colts for the first three or four days re- quire close attention, but after that take their chances with the rest of the herd. They feed on cactus and brush, eschewing all grasses that horses and cattle eat if the favorite cactus can be had. Mr. Lanfear says there is one camel in his herd that has traveled 150 miles between sun and sun, and that almost any well-broken camel can travel more than one hundred miles a day. The world can ill afford to lose those who out of their riches are continually doing good to the cause of religion. It can well afford to part with those who do nothing for its pies ina religious or philanthropic way. The icebergs of the Southern hemispheres are much larger than those of the Northern and frequently attain a height of 1,000 feet. Paper can be made transparent by spreading over it, with a feather, a very thin layer of resin dissolved in alcohol, applied to both sides. Salt—or better still—saltpetre, finely powdered. placed about the wick of a candle, will prevent it from sputtering and cause it to burn slowly. An essential oil is obtained from cloves by repeated distilla- tions. It is a common trick to mix cloves thus deprived of their oil with others. The production of manganese is steadily increasing. Owing to the imperfect means of conveyance it is estimated that two-thirds of the total quantity extracted is wasted. From one ton of ordinary gas-coal may be produced 1,500 pounds of coke, 20 gallons of ammonia water, and 140 pounds of coal tar. The torch of the Statue of Liberty on Bedloe’s Island, New York bay, will contain eight electric lamps of six thousand candle power each, the light from which will be thrown directly up, making a powerful beam and cloud illumination. J. G. Lemmon and wife are botanizing near San Luis Obispo. Notes and News. 19 A large quantity of chloride of sodium is held in solution in the waters of the ocean. Possibly under the common name of salt, this would be considered rather as a note than news! Dr, Siemens estimates the temperature of the photosphere of the sun to be at least 3,000°. Four German expeditions are now prosecuting their researches in Africa, two from the east and two from the west side of that continent. Experimentally it has been shown that for every 600-litre wine cask the burning of twenty grains of sulphur, or even less, is enough to destroy the action of mzcoderma vint. France, says M. Herve Mangon, produces milk, which, if col- lected. would make a stream 3 feet 4 inches wide and 1 foot 1 inch deep, flowing night and day all the year around. In New Zealand, A. T. Urquhart states, earth-worms not only leave their burrows, but climb up trees in search of food in the night, or at a late hour if the morning is damp and warm. Some English chemists and sanitary reformers have started a movement to make bread ftom the entire grain of wheat, and not from the inner portion only. The movement has the support of the first physiologists of the day. Nickel is proposed to be a substitute for bronze in coinage in France. It is alsosuggested that the new coins shall be octagonal instead of round, so that the people may not mistake them for silver in the hurry of business. With even a length of 600 yards of cable divers have been able to communicate with persons above water, to receive instructions, to ask for tools, to report investigations, and the course of sub- marine investigations all by telephone. Dogs, under favorable conditions, live to an age much beyond that which is usually assigned to them. R. Cordiner of Oxford, England, knows a black retriever aged thirty-one years, and there is no doubt that others are acquainted with like aged individuals of the canine species. Here is a hint by Dr.G. Boeck which may be of industrial value: If potatoes are peeled and treated with 8 parts sulphuricacid and 100 parts of water. and then dried and pressed, a mass is obtained very like celluloid, and which can be used instead of meerschaum or ivory. It is not stated whether the invention is protected by a patent or not. The startling discovery has been made by M. Pasteur that the saliva of a person fasting is venomous, as it contains parasites which will inoculate. Breaking the fast deprives the saliva of its poisonous qualities. 20 West American Sctentist. The Queen of Spain has abolished slavery in Cuba. The slave owners are compensated by the government and therefore satis- fied with the edict of emancipation. Death from cold may be simulated for a longer time than is usually supposed in the case of the higher animals. Rabbits were shaved by MM. Richet and Rondeau, and inclosed in flexible tubes through which there was a flow of salt water, cooled to 7° C. until breathing and the action of the heart ceased. After suf- fering these mammals to remain in that condition for half an hour vital functions were restored. A very heavy force is employed in the construction of the underground telegraphic connection between Marseilles and Paris. A cast iron pipe contains the cable, and it is laid nearly six feet beneath the surface of the earth. At intervals of 550 yards the cable passes through a chamber of cast iron, which is so con- structed that it can be readily inspected whenever there is any necessity for that work. About every 110 ‘yards the pipes are connected by cast iron boxes, which also enable the wires to be inspected and repaired. The cost in all is about $8,000,000. Dragon’s blood is a resin which exudes from various trees. It is so called from its red color. We cannot determine the sound of a string which makes less than thirty vibrations per second, nor of one which makes more than 7,552. VALERA TURE, The Youth’s Companion celebrates this year its sixtieth anni- versary, and well deserves its enormous subscription list of nearly 400,000 from the unobtrusive moral tone that pervades it and the variety of matter that it gives its readers of interest to both old and young. That ‘nothing succeeds like success’ is proved by the history of the Overland Monthly which has gained a well-earned victory over its famous grizzly, so familiar to all, and has secured a promi- nent place among the great American magazines. Science Series is a new venture in the journalistic field by H. M. Downs of Rutland, Vermont. Each number is to contain a complete popular article on some scientific subject. Dr. Parry contributes another article to the Proc. Dav. Acad. Sci.. reinstating the genus Lastarriaea, and describing two new species from S. A. Rev. E. L. Greene published a new genus of plants related to brodiaeas in the 6th bulletin of the Cal. Acad. Sci., together with Literature. 2I an arrangement of the plants generally known as brodiaeas, under several generic names, the reinstatement of Vogel's Syrmatium, and the descriptions of various new species—the result of his trip to the island of Santa Cruz. The National Druggist, a weekly journal of St. Louis, is a welcome addition to our exchange list. Prof. H. L. Osborn, of Purdue University, is acting editor of the American Monthly Microscopical FYournal until further notice, during Prot. Hitchcock’s residence in Japan. We have to acknowledgs the receipt of a set of the bulletins of the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, New York. Also various pamphlets from the University of California. The Golden State Scientist is a new eizht-page monthly, edited and published by the well-known collector, E. M. Haight of Riverside, California. A NEW GENUS OF CHAMID. Genus CORALLIOCHAMA (nov. gen.) (Bulletin No. 22, U.S. Geological Survey.) Shells fixed by the apex of the lower, or right, valve, growing separately ur in clusters. Test thick, consisting of three layers, the outer one being prismatic, the middle cellular, and the inner porcellanous. The space which was occupied by the animal was very small as compared with the bulk of the shell, and it is situat- ed eccentrically. Lower valve irregularly subconical, more or less distorted, much deeper than the other valve; beak distorted as a consequence of its attachment to a foreign object; ligamental groove more or less distinct, extending from the apex to the hinge margin. Upper valve convex, its beak broad and incurved to the hinge margin of the lower valve; ligamental groove marginal ; internal cavity partially divided int» unequal parts by a more or less prominent longitudinal septum. Hinge essentially the same as that of Plagioptychus Matheron, Ichthyosarcolithes Desmarest, and Caprina d’ Orbigny. The test of both valves consists of a thin outer prismatic layer, a thick cellular middle layer, and a thin porcellanous inner layer. The middle layer constitutes the bulk of both valves. In the lower valve it consists of slender angular thin-walled tubes which extend the full length of the valve, increasing in number with the increasing size of the shell, each tube being divided into small cells by numerous thin transverse partitions. The structure thus produced somewhat resembles that of a coral of the Favositide, and it is also closely similar to that of corresponding parts of Radiolites and Sphcerulites. The inner portion of the middle 22 West American Scientist. layer of the upper valve has the same cellular structure as that which has just been described for the lower valve, except that the longitudinal arrangement of the cells is not so evident; and the teeth of both valves are mainly or wholly composed of shell-sub- stance which possesses this cellular structure. The outer portion of the middle layer of the upper valve, however, has a structure similar to that which is possessed by the upper valve of Plagiop- tychus. It consists of numerous thin, close-set radiating vertical plates or septa which extend from the beak to the free margin, their outer edges abutting against the outer prismatic layer, and at their inner edges they blend with the inner cellular portion of the middle layer. This proposed new genus stands near to Plagioptychus, Ichthy- osarcolithes, and Caprina, agreeing with them all in the general character of the hinge and of the ligamental grooves, and in the presence of an outer prismatic shell layer. It further agrees with Plagiotychus in the structure of the outer portion of the middle shell-layer of the upper valve; but it disagrees with that genus in the multicellular structure of the thick middle layer of the lower valve, and that of the inner portion of the middle layer of the upper valve; those portions being porcellanous in Plagiotychus. Comparing the shell-structure of Coralliochama with that of Ichthyosarcolithes, the cells of the former are seen to be much more uniform in size; and the large so-called water-chambers in the thick shellwalls of the latter are wanting in those of the former. Also the slender radiating plates or septa of the outer portion of the middle layer of both Coralliochama and Plagioptychus are ap- parently wanting in Ichthyosarcolithes. At least such a structure seems never to have been described. CAROLLIOCHAMA ORCUTTI (sp. nov.) Shell reaching a large size, growing both singly and in clusters, one example in the collection showing a cluster of eight in- dividuals. Lower valve irregularly subpyramidal, usually much elongated and more or less distorted; its free border transverse or oblique, the posterior side in the latter case being the lower; ligamental groove somewhat distinct; the space which was occu- pied by the animal comparatively small, eccentric, the thinnest portion of the shell-wall being at the part which corresponds to the postero-basal part in ordinary bivalves. _ Surface, when the outer prismatic layer is present, marked hy fine longitudinal lines, and somewhat more distinct concentric lines of growth. The coarser markings of the valve consist of a greater or less number of concentric undulations, which are crossed by longitudinal cor- rugations thac are usually more conspicuous upon the side which bears the hinge, especially the part adjacent to the hinge margin. The prismatic layer is moderately thin, and is composed of A New Genus of Chamide. ag minute vertical prisms which are visible only under a lens. The middle shell-layer reaches a maximum thickness jn old shells of nearly or quite 30"". This layer is composed throughout of a mass of very small. angular thin-walled cells. The cells have a good degree of uniformity of size, their longitudinal arrangement and angular shape being quite distinctly seen by side view of weathered specimens. By vertical view they are seen to be of ir- regular shape and arrangement, but concentric lines of accretion are sometimes observable in cross sections of the valve. The inner porcellanous layer is thin, and under a lens it is seen to con- sist of numerous concentric lamine. The upper valve is broadly convex, becoming large and strong- ly arched in old shells; beak prominent, broad, incurved and usually directed a little forward, but sometimes it has a slight backward inclination. Surface, when the outer prismatic layer is present, having an approximately smooth aspect; but itis marked by numerous lines of growth and multitude of very fine radiating lines. Specimens having the prismatic layer exfoliated or weathered off show the edges of the numerous close-set radiating septa of the outer portion of the middle layer. These septa are moderately deep, and are so joined together by their inner edges in pairs and double pairs, that the innermost spaces between them are wider than those which appear at the outer surface of the layer. The inner portion of the middle layer has a structure es- sentially the same as that which the whole of the middle layer of the lower valve possesses, but at the thinnest portion of the upper valve this cellular portion of the middle layer is obsolete or want- ing especially in young sheils. The fact that the specimens of this collection are so frequently crushed by pressure shows that they were not so strong as their great thickness would indicate. Ali the details of the hinge have not been clearly ascertained, The principal tooth of the lower valve is known to have been very large and prominent, filling a large part of the space upon the posterior side of the septum of the upper valve. The anterior tooth of the upper valve is not well defined from the cardinal end of the septum, but the posterior tooth is narrow, prominent, com- paratively long, and curved outward. Fully adult shells reached a length of more than 200", and a diameter at the free margins of go™” or more. Upon a preliminary examination of the collections sent by Mr. Orcutt, and the less perfect examples obtained by Dr. Becker, owing to the multicellular structure of the shell, which was con- spicuously seen, I regarded this form as belonging to the genus Spherulites. But after a more careful study, and working a separated upper valve out of its imbedding matrix, it was found to possess the hinge-structure that has just been described. The specific name is given in honor of Mr. C. R. Orcutt, who first discovered it. (Museum No. 12,698.) OCCIDENTAL NURSERIES. | 70 and 72 South Los Angeles Street, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. A Specialty of Australian, Cape and Japanese plants, adapted to our climate, and of Roses suitable to Southern IN “cape and Exotic Plants, Shrubs and Ornamental Trees li fornia. and low prices. Grevillia Robusta, ‘‘the” sidewalk tree, and Strawberry Guava, in great quantity Strong. large pot plants of new reses; ‘‘Her Majesty,” “The Bride,’”’ and “*American Beauty,” can be sent by freight to San Diego at less cost and more security than small mail plants from the East. season in the Eastern markets. Address, Cut blooms of these roses retailed at $1.00 a piece during the past M. 8. LYON, Manager. 23 FRUIT AND FARM LANDS IN LOWER CALIFORNIA, Lhe International Company of Mexico, OLE owners and only authorized Colonization Agents of the Mexican Government for Lower California. First NarronaL BANK BUILDING, San Diego, California. A. KLAUBER, 122 Davis Street, 8. F. S. LEVI, San Diego KLAUBER & LEVI, Groceries, Hardware, Agricultural Implements, Corner Fifth and H Streets, San Diego Cal, A. WENTSCHER, GENERAL COMMISSION, Forwarding and Shipping. Imperial German Consul. S4N DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. } for working people. Send 10 cents postage and we will mail you free a royal HELP valuable sample box of goods that will put you in the way of making more money in a few days than you have ever thought possible at any business Capital not required. of Poth sexes, of all ages, grandly successful, tions, etc., sent free. Address SLINSON & CO,, Portland, Maine, Immense pay absolutely sure for all who start at once. None fail. You can live at home and work in spare time only, or atallthe time, All 50 cents to $5 easily earned every evening. all who want work may test the business, we make this unparalleled offer. well satisfied we will send $1 to pay for the trouble of writing us. That To-all who are not Full particulars direc- Don’t delay. 24 Wi N more money than at anything else by taking an agency for the best selling book out. Beginners succeed grandly. land, Maine, A PRIZE j—Send six cents for postage 1 and receive free, a costly box of goods which will help you to more money right away than anything else in this world, Ail, of either sex, succeed from the first hour. The broad road to fortune opens before the workers absolutely sure. At once address, TRUE & CO., eine Maine, 200.0 In presents given away. Send us 0 6 cents postage, and by mail you will *get free a package of goods of large value, that will start you in work that will at once bring you in money faster than anything else in America. Ail about the $2u0000 in presents with each box, Agents wanted everywhere, of either sex of all ages, for all their time, or spare time only, to work for us at their homes, Fortunes for all workers absolutely assured. Don’t delay. HALLET & OU., Portland, Maine. 24 OHN C. DALY. DEALER IN BOOKS AND STATIONERY, San Diego, Cal. Mrs. THEODOSIA B. Terms free. HALLETT BOOK CoO., Port- 24 FIELDS are scarce, but those who GOLD write to Stinson & Co., Portland, Maine, will receive free, full in- formation about work which they can do, and live at home, that will pay them from $5 to $25 per day. Some have earned over $60 in a day. Either sex, young or old, Capital not required. You are started free. Those who start at once are absolutely sure of snug little fortunes. Allis new. WANTED j—At the Second-hand Store. s Highest prices paid for Furniture, Bedding, Stoves, Crockery, Gar- den Implements, Carpenters’ Tools, etc., Liberal advances made on all goods sold on commission. Strictly one price store. THEO. GULBRANDSEN. 24 W ANTE D |—Te purchase, Lepidoptera 1 (Hetrocera) from the West and South-west. Address, Dr. Chas. §S. McKnight, Saranac Lake, Franklin Co., New York. 24 W. KROFF, REAL ESTATE, LOANS * AND COLLECTIONS. San Diego, Cal. SHEPHERD 9 LORIST AND SEED GROWER, SAN BUENAVENTURA, CALIFORNIA. “CONTRACTS F taken to grow seeds and bulbs for florists. Milex seed and calla bulbs. Ouvenirs, Send stamp for catalogue. Specialties: Coben scandens, monthly carnation, Sea mosses, pressed ferns and flowers furnished as specimens or A trade list. Consolidated « National : Bank : —— OF SAN DIEGO. | CAPITAL PAID IN, - ~ $100,000 SURPLUS FUND, ~ ~ 40,000 BRYANT HOWARD, ria Fhe.” President, JAMES M. PIERCE, - ~ Vice-President. JOHN GINTY, - - - - - Cashier. DIRECTORS : HIRAM MABURY, GEO. A. COWLES, E. W. MORSE, JAMES McCOY, O. S. WITHERBY, * JAMES M. PIERCE, BRYANT HOWARD. A GENERAL BANKING BUSINESS TRANSACTED. EXCHANGE ON ALL THE PRINCIPAL CITIES OF EUROPE AND AMERICA BOUGHT AND DRAWN, The policy of this bank is conservative,—its business being confined strictly to legitimate banking. Its officers and employees are prohibited from dealing in stocks or engaging in speculative schemes. Its stockholders founded the first two banks here, and have long been identified with all the leading industries of our City and County, and its Managers have had experience of many years in banking and in lacing loans in Southern California for other parties. They are thorough- y acquainted with the resources and wants of the County, and aim to extend every aid in its development consistent with prudent banking. THE SAVINGS BANE OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY. (In Consolidated National Pank Building.) CAPITAL, - - - $100,000 — OFFICERS . JAMES M. PIERCE, - oo. - President GEO, A. COWLES, - - - Vice-President JOHN GINTY, = - - Secretary and Treasurer — ——DIRECTORS— O. S. WITHERBY, H. MABURY, E. W. MORSE, GEO. H. COWLES, PAMICS. M.. PIERCE, JAMES McCOY, BRYANT HOWARD. Interest allowed on Deposits. Money loaned on Real Estate. _ JANUARY, 1887. WHOLE No. 28. “Oficial isa ‘of the San Diego Society Be of Natural fiistory. Oy ROOREO TT. =) EDITOR. CONTENTS: The Bee’s Sting a Useful Tool..............Scientific American..... 37 MEUUISCIAVOIONS SIMI 2 i sis) oa 0s mea! Wain’ eels ers 8, Ey Oe eae Diminutive Mail Matter........ SNA eG GRR NEY ARR gry ea pale ai 38 Nes ecrology. aN BUR UE Ay eee ah ere Nena Serr any iat WA ute nian tele ae ne Correspondence PEAR Reet UIE rey A AR Pot seo ei cites. Be Re ee 39 ia GEOMCISteES be. ss /ccc. 1 A teeta RIS s/c cers eles Sir atl Spa gt 42 42 44 a Price, 10 Cents. Per year, $1.00. {Entered at the Postoffice at San Diego as second-class matter. ] | HAMILTON & CO., SAN DIEGO. CAL. Dealers in General Merchandise ——— > / ne % eee “Ay th . ; Ht: f : = : ; t ‘ rt , = of ? J New Cretaceous Fossils. or it is described and named for the purpose of presenting the fauna of the Wallala Group as fully as practicable. Locality, near the town of Wallala, Mendocino County, California. Collected by DrGiF, Becker. NERITA CALIFORNIENSIS, WHITE. [The above name was proposed by Dr. White for a small species obtained at Todos Santos Bay. The largest examples were only some 5 or 6™" in diameter. No description was given. ] EXPLANATION OF PLATES—III. Fig. 1. Cardinal side of a partly grown specimen, natural size, of Coralliochama Orcutti. Fig. 2. Lateral view of the same example. Fig. 3. Interior view of a broken upper valve, showing the hinge. Fig. 4. A fragment of a lower valve, show- ing the cellular structure. Fig.5. Another fragment showing the same structure. IV. Fig.1. A fragment of a large example of Coralliochama Orcutti, showing the extreme convexity of the upper valve; natural size. Fig. 2. Lateral view of thesameexample. V. Fig.1. Solarium Wallalense, lateral view, natural size. Fig. 2. Umbilical view of same example. Fig. 3. Cerithium Pillingi, lateral view, natural size and enlarged. Figs. 4, 5 and 6. Similar views of other examples of same. Fig. 7. Nerita Californiensis, lateral view, natural size and enlarged, showing original color-markings. Fig. 8. Similar views showing the aperture and inner lip. Figs. 9, 10 and 11. .Trochus (Oxystele) euryostomus, different views, natural size and enlarged. Figs. 12 and 13. Cerithium totium-sanctorum, lateral view, natural size and enlarged. Atha AWD BEAUTIFUL SHELL. See what a lovely shell, Small and pure as a pearl, Lying close to my foot, Frail, but a work divine, Made so fairly well With delicate spire and whorl, How exquisitely minute, A miracle of design ! The tiny cell is forlorn, Void of the little living will That made it stir on the shore, Did he stand at the diamond door Of his house in a rainbow frill ? Did he push when he was uncurled, A golden foot or a fairy horn Thro’ his dim water-world ? Tennyson. 32 West American Scientist. THE, WESTERN GULL AN CAP aI. I wish to give an account of two odd pets which I secured on a recent collecting trip to the Farallone Islands, 23 miles from San Francisco Bay. They are two young Western Gulls (Larus oc- cidentalis), now (Aug. g. 1886) only about six weeks old, and the most comically interesting of all the pet birds or animals I ever owned. Isecured them when quite young, and their growth since then has been somewhat extraordinary. They are quite tame, and they run up to me when I approach them. ina really dangerous looking manner, with their great hungry-looking mouthsstretched wide open; but their intentions are harmless, they are only hungry; and until I can satisfy their voracious.anpetites they con- tinue to upbraid me uncessingly, with loud squawking cries which prove very appalling to all the other fowl inthe yard. The cor- morant has a wide-spread reputation for enormous voracity, but after watching these two young gulls devour piece after piece of raw beef with an appetite almost insatiable, I have arrived at the conclusion that for immensity of caj\acity and appetite the cor- morant has a powerful rival in the gull. The natural food of these young gulls issmall fish, which the parents carry to the nest, but in confinement I am told they will live on almost any- thing which is given to them. I have pampered the taste of the two birds in my possession, however. until they enjoy nothing but raw fresh meat. Their alimentary canal seems proof ayainst almost anything, for one of them the other day, swallowed a large piece of a cup handle which lay in the yard, with no apparent in- convenience. They seem quite fund of fresh water, and when they have swallowed all the meat possible, they want a pan of water immediately, and dip their big bills into the sand in a very amusing way to show that they are thirsty and want their water at once. I have no large place for them to swim in, but they delight to stand and wash themselves in a large pan filled with fresh water. The birds are very quick to catch pieces of meat thrown them, no matter what the distance may be, and fight over any piece which chances to fall to the ground. I notice that they begin to- exercise their wings very much of late, performing a sort of flying dance around among the astonished hens, rising about three feet above the ground, and as I have seen them holding animated conferences they may be meditating escape. Ishall have to clip their long wings so as to avoid the possibility of their sudden flight to join their friends and relatives on the Farallones. The gull is a very intelligent bird and knows his friends and his enemies well. When i first placed this pair among the chickens they were the pitiful victims of a great deal of abuse from all the vita SANS Nan \ Ny hae RN IY i: Mf 1 iPeailt” III Goralliochama Orcutti, White 7 Soa >, : ae ‘* t Pee 8 swt wo Vin ee - i ea! i= ai% e Ba Z ay - i feta ey ent FUE ie * ty ~ rt 1 Oe ee - a a oe ‘See << ee: ; 7 baa — ars « ’ Sd at ne "Fee, é -” ms I ; 2 J ‘ ; * eae » ie ee on * ' 4 t ‘i ae J a . + Mes: x ui * + ‘ ‘ Western Species of Echinocystis. 34 old hens of the poultry yard, who took advantage of their tender age and unprotected condition to abuse them terribly; but now the tables are turned, and woe betide the imprudent hen which dares to come near these haughty young natives of the Pacific Ocean. I hope to keep the two birds to observe the change of plumage as they approach the age of the adult, in which case I seriously think it advisable that I purchase a meat shop---just for the sake of ecoonomy.—f7. R. Taylor, in Ornithologist and Ootog?st. PAE MWRSTERN SPECIES: OF ECHINOCYS TSS. That these plants, commonly called Big Root and best known to botanists as species of Megarrhiza constitute a genus distinct from Echinocystis is a doctrine which has nowhere been seriously defended. Dr. Kellogg of San Francisco was first to suggest for them generic rank, publishing early in the year 1854 his *Mara muricata. But only a year afterwards he brought out a second species not as Mara but as Echinocystis. In the sixth volume of Pacific Railroad Reports, published in 1857, in a catalogue of the plants of Williamson’s Expedition. the name Megarrhiza tor the first appears in print; but no generic or specific character is given, or any synonym or citation of a de- scription; but Dr. Torrey’s name being appended as authority for each of the two species indicates that he, at that time, was _ enter- taining the thought of founding a genus upon these plants; an opinion which, it is quite certain, he very soon afterwards relin- quished; for only three or four years later, in preparing his elab- orate report upon the Botany of the Wilkes’ Exploring Expedi- tion, he referred the same plants to Echinocystis. As late as 1875, two years or more after Dr. Torrey’s death, Mr. Sereno Watson, in the Proceedings of the American Academy gives what is indexed as a Revision of Megarrhiza; but this paper, so far from being the systematic revision of a previously published genus, is the very first appearance of it as characterized. The appending of Dr. Torrey’s name as authority for Megarrhiza as a genus was no doubt kindly and reverently meant. Still, the advisability, the lawfulness even, of bringing an author’s name, posthumously, to the support of a genus which he in his life time declined to pub- lish, and declined because he doubted, and which he at length cast out of his mind altogether, is to be questioned. * Erroneously written Marah by Dr. Kellogg who, as if writing an English name, follows the ~ anglicised spelling of it given in the King James version of the Sacred Scriptures. But the final aspirate in such Hebrew words is always omitted in Latin writing; and this not only because its presence is an obstacle to the declension of a name; it does not, even in Hebrew represent any sound whatever and therefore ought to be omitted 1 in English as well as Latin. 35 West American Sctentist. Our western plants differ from the Eastern type of Echinocystis only in their more turgid seeds, hypogzeous cotyledous and _per- ennial tuberous roots. In the seeds there is displayed every var- lation between the obovate and orbicular, and from nearly globose to very much flattened. Eminent botanists who have given special attention to the Cucurbitacez agree in the opinion that our Paci- fic Coast plants in question form hardly a well characterized sec- tion of Echinocystis. In the natural orders most nearly allied, Cactaceze and Loasacez for example, much wider differences in the character of seeds are allowed ina genus. To take the case of Mentzelia, the diversity of the seeds, all the way from nearly shapeless to thin flat and winged on the one hand, and to almost exactly cubical on the other, is manifold greater than what we shall have in Echinocystis as here allowed; and as for the nature of the root;, whether tuberous or fibrous, perennial or annual, in what orders does one ever take such characters into considera- tion fora moment, when trying to determine the limits of a genus? Thespecies of this western group are now become quite respectably numerous, and arrange themselves somewhat natur-. aliy as follows. E FABACEA, Naudin, Ann. Sci. Nat. 4 ser. x11 and xvi: Me-, gatrhiza Californica, Torr. Pac, R. Rep. v1, fide 5. Watsam Bot. Caloiy aug, E. MACROCARPA, Greene, Bull. Cal. Acad. 1. 188. E. GILENSIS, Greene, l. c. 189. E. OREGANA, Cogniaux, Diag. Cucurb. Nouv. ii. 87 and 97. E. Mara. Mara muricata, Kellogg, Proc. Cal. Acad. 1. 38: Megarrhiza Mara, Watson, l. c. | E. GUADALUPENSIS. Greene, l. c. 223; Megarhiza Guadalupensis. Watson, l. c. 242. © The seeds of this are hardly ‘‘sub-globose,” they are, on the contrary, more compressed than in any other one of the western species. They are round-ovoid, more than an inch long. nearly an inch broad and less than a half inch in thickness. This plant. is abundant on the island of Santa Cruz, and is distinguishable from E. macrocarpa, which grows there along with it, by the seeds chiefly; and the difference between them, both as to the number of the seeds, and their size and form, is very clear. E. MURICATA, Kellogg, 1. c. 57; Megarrhiza muricata, Watson, Ieee. Although this is one of the oldest species it remains one of the rarest. I met with it myself, for the first. time. during the past season on the tops of the mountains, back of Vacaville. The whole plant is beautifully glancous, the fruit of the size of a small lemon and of the same yellow color. The soft spines are rather numerous, in my specimens, and the seeds four, whereas accord- ing to the description they are two only. It is barely possible we are including two species under thisname. Prof. £. L. Greene. V. New Cretaceous Fossils A Bee's Sting a Useful Tool. — os fa meet © DO PING A OSEFUL: FOOL. A new champion has arisen to defend the honey bee from the obloquy under which it has always rested. Mr. Wm. F. Clarke of Canada, claims to have discovered, from repeated observa- tions, that the most important function of the bee’s sting is not stinging. Ina recent article he says: _ “My observations and reflections have convinced me that the most important office of the bee’s sting is that which is per- formed in doing the artistic cell work, capping the comb, and infusing the formic acid by means of which honey receives its _ keeping qualities. As I said at Detroit, the sting is really a skillfully contrived little trowel, with which the bee finishes off and caps the cells when they are filled brim full of honey. This explains why honey extracted before it is capped over doesn ot keep well. The formic acid has not been injected into it. This is done in the very act of putting the last touches on the cell work. As the little pliant trowel is worked to and fro with such dexterity, the darts, of which there are two, pierce the plastic cell surface and leave the nectar beneath its tiny drops of the fluid ‘which makes it keep well. This is the ‘art preservative’ of honey. A most wonderful provision of nature, truly! Herein we see that the sting and the poison-bag, with which so many of us would like to dispense, are essential to the storage of our coveted product, and that without them the beautiful comb honey of commerce would be a thing unknown. If these things are so, how mistaken those people are who suppose that a bee is, like the Prince of Evil, always going about prowling in search of a victim. The fact is that the bee attends to its own business very diligently, and has no time to waste in unnecessary quarrels. A bee is like a farmer working with a fork in his hay field. He is fully occupied and very busy. If molested or meddled with, he will be very apt to defend himself with the implement he is working with. This is what the bee does; and man, by means of his knowledge of the nature and habits of this wondrous little insect, is enabled, in most cases, to ward off or evade attack. It is a proof of their natural quietness, industry and peaceableness that so many thousands of them will go through a summer of ceaseless activity close to your dwelling- house, and perhaps not half a dozen stings be inflicted during a whole season.’’ Scientsfic American. The West Indian Birch is said to be the weakest; and the nut- meg hickory of Arkansas, the strongest wood. The lightest and most brittle is the blue wood of Texas, and the tamarack, the most elastic. The recent scientific examination of woods is of considerable economic value. 38 West American Scientist. AN INSECTIVOROUS PLANT. A writer in the Popular Science News says that when micros- copically examined, the Silene stems and flowers are found covered with hair-glands, which thickiy beset the calyx and upper stems. The glands, on the distal ends of the hairs, are filled with a greenish, yellowish or clear juice of very viscid character. The little round vesicles or glands are inclosed in an exceedingly thin membrane that is easily broken by the touch of insect feet, body and wings. The sticky liquid oozes out, and fastens myriads of gnats and flies in its fatal embrace. Insect feet can be seen toiling in vain to escape; the liquid adheres, is extended in long threads, and, by its elasticity, draws back the unwilling feet lifted to escape. After a while the liquid evap- orates to a hard gum; the insectivorous plant absorbes the juices of its prisoners’ bodies, and appropriates them to itself. DIMINUTIVE MAIL MATTER. The postal service at Liverpool, England, recently had an experience which, if often repeated, would prove the reverse of amusing. Some one whose ingenuity or economy was searching for new fields, wrote a message of twenty-six words on the back of a 2-cent stamp, which was duly posted and delivered. The success led to a second experiment and then a third. But, on the last occasion, a I-cent stamp was chosen, and was accordingly held as an insufficiently prepaid letter. , NWECROLOGY. M. Bonley, president of the French Academy of Science, died November 20, 1886. M. Rabuteau, for twenty years a member of the French Biological Society, i is deceased. Captain Mangin, the inventor of a system of optical telegtanian is dead of apoplexy at the age of 45 years. Dr. Thomas Andrews, F. R. S., the well-known professor of chemistry in Queen’s College, Belfast, died lately at the age of 71 ears. i Carl Oscar Hamnstrom, a Swedish botanist, died on July 5, 1886, at Hessleholm, Sweden, aged 70. Florida is following Louisiana in the attempt to make money out of the Ricinus communis. A firm in that State is preparing 320 acres to be planted in castor beans, and next year an oil mill will be erected. Correspondence. 39 CORRESPONDENCE. TaLLy Ho Rancu, Cal., Oct. 23, 1886. I send you a postal note for a year’s subscription to THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. I will also endeavor to get some sub- scribers from this valley but I fear I will not be able to get very many as I only know of a few people who would like to subscribe, but I am sure that they, having once read the paper will become regular sutscrib:rs to the same, and will cheerfully pay a dollar’s subscription each, as that is cheap for so much instructive literary matter. I should like to know if you could possibly give me any information whatever concerning Santa Cruz, Santa Catalina and San Clemente Islands, which IJ intend to visit in a small schooner from Santa Barbara next spring, and to camp on each of them for one month. Who are the owners or occupiers of each of them, and how many inhabitants do they each usually have? Santa Cruz, I believe, has a permanent population of at least thirty men, and is well wooded with pine, cypress and oak, and has an abundant supply of good fresh water on it. Could you tell me the approximate height (in feet) of the highest peak (Mount Diablo) on Santa Cruz, and also the height of the highest peaks of Santa Catalina and San Clemente, and also the extreme length and width (in miles) of Santa Catalina and San Clemente? I suppose the continent is at all times plainly visible from each of these islands, and that Santa Cruz, Ana Capa and San Nicolas are also visible on any clear day from off any of the highest peaks of Santa Catalina. How is the fresh water supply on Santa Catalina and San Clemente? I suppose these two islands have a considerable number of live oak trees on them and also plenty of brushwood, bushes and good bunch grass. I hear that each of these three islands have thousands of sheep on them, and that wild hogs are plentiful on Santa Cruz, and that Santa Cata- lina has numerous wild goats and rattle-snakes on it. Those deep canyons and ravines that have been cut out of the side of the mountain at the south-east end of San Clemente must bea grand sight to behold; have they any running water along their bottoms? Do you know if any photographic views or drawings have ever been made of any portions of these islands? I see by your paper that E. L. Greene has been botanizing on some of these islands; could you not prevail upon him to send his impres- sions and observations in natural history during his trip to your paper? I am sure it would be read with extreme interest by many persons, as the Santa Barbara Islands and the Farallones are the only islands that lie off the entire coast of California. Will you please mention to me any books that have ever been published concerning Lower California with their respective prices? Yours very sincerely, Almyer Montgomerve. 4o West .dmerican Scientzst. {Mr. Montgomerie’s letter was answered in part in our last issue by Prof. E. L. Green in his valuable article on Santa Cruz Island. Readers who can answer any of the remaining questions are cor- dially invited to do so. Some of our older naturalists, we hope, will contribute of their own experiences on these islands. An interesting series of articles is being contributed to the Botanical Gazelle by Wm, S. Lyon on ‘The Flora of our South-western Archipelago,’ and we may hope for something from his pen. The literature on Lower California is widely scattered through exnensive reports of Government expeditions, the. proceedings of learned societies and similar publications. Much has been given in the publications of the Calif. Acad. of .Sci., even the most. recent of which, we are informed, can be had ‘neither for love nor money.’ ‘A Sketch of the Settlement and Exploration of Lower California,’ by J. Ross Bronwe, 1869, gives 177 pages of more or less reliable facts, and can be had of D. Appleton & _Co., N. Y., while a pamphlet has recently been issued by the Int. Co of Mexico (whose advertisement appears in this. number), accompanied with a very valuable map, correct except in the calling of the desert portions ‘farming’ or ‘grazing land,’ for which a land company is perhaps excusable. uy Rpg ; Cuico, Cal., Nov. 26, 1886. » With the bustle of Thanksgiving feasts, rides, balloon ascen- sions, etc., etc., it is difficult to fix the thoughts long enough to write. This place, which is charming always, presents so much to see-and do, that I hardly know where to begin. Miss S. sends papers, etc., with glowing .accounts of Coronado Beach, but it does not attract me. I prefer desert wastes to boulevard and avenue, and would rather sit in the shade of Ephedra than Citrus —but then it is well all do not feel alike on such matters. I suppose’ we will return to Colton to settle in winter quarte:s. On many accounts Colton seems as desirable as any, except its distance from the sea. * * * If we do not do much work here, it is to me the garden spot of California. Yours truly, We yl ee PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. SAN FRANCISCO MICROSCOPICAL Society.—November. IO, 1886 A number of unusually fine examples of lacunz in. quartz crystals, containing fluid and bubbles, were shown by J. Z. Davis. Dr. J. H. Stallard drew attention to the enormous develop- ment of the biliary ducts in juandice, and to other changes of structure in the liver incidental to that disease. In illustration of the subject, a number of slides were shown, in which the Proceedings of Societies. — : gi ducts, crowded with biliary resin, the excessive development of fat cells, and other morbid conditions, were clearly shown. - Mr. Wickson stated that he had recently found insects in large numbers on some laurel trees in the Experimental Gardens at the State University. At first sight they appeared to belong to the Aphidz, but a closer inspection showed them to be neurop- - terous insects of the genus Psocus, which embraces some sixty species. They are very active in the larval and pupal stages, as well as in the perfect form. They live in groups, usually on the under side of the leaves. A microscopical examination shows them to have free mouth-parts. The compound eyes are exquis- itely beautiful and many other points in their anatomy are of | great interest. From the fact that the laurel leaves upon’ which these little creatures have made their appearance in such num- bers, are very badly infested with scale, Mr. Wickson thinks it quite possible that these species of Psocus may be a_ natural enemy of the scale insect, finding its food in the eggs or young of the latter. Experiments are now being carried on with a_ view to testing the correctness of this conjecture. November 24th —Mr. Wickson stated that recent experiments had shown quite conclusively that the recently-observed insects of the genus Psocus, found on scale-infested laurel trees, would not attack the scale insect itself. Specimens of an Australian Polyzoan, Bicellaria ‘ciliata, were shown by Mr. Howard, who also exhibited an alga (Trichodes- mium, Sp.) found floating in immense quantities in the Pacific. The alga consists of red-like filaments transversely striated, and of a light-olive green color. The average length and diam- eter are respectfully 015 and .0003 of an inch. One -peculiarity of growth is that the filaments arrange themselves in bundles of about twenty-five to fifty. This minute plant forms aconsiderable part of the food of the right whale, and is in fact known to many mariners as ‘‘whale-feed.” The process of spore formation does not seem to have been observed as yet. Some fine examples of insects preserved in dake and in fossil. copal were shown by Prof. Hanks. Dr. Montgomery exhibited a number of interesting’ slides, illustrative of the minute structure of the eye. Alum-carmine had been used as the staining agent, and the nuclei of the yarious cells were thereby very clearly defined. _A ‘Holman Life Slide,’ containing am unusually Sah collection of pond organisms, was shown by Mr. Payzant. Germinating gonidia of Vaucheria, many Desmids and other alge, Arcelle, Amebz and other Rhizopods and innumerable infusoria, were observed. Noteworthy among the latter were several examples of a species belonging to the beautiful genus Epistylis. As the. individuals each showed a peculiar band or collar just below the 42 West American Scienttst. posterior margin—a characteristic apparently hitherto undescribed —the little animals are quite probably specifically new. Dr. Ferrer promised a demonstration, in the near future, with the new Zeiss photomicrographic apparatus recently received, and the meeting adjourned. A. H. BRECKENFELD, Rec. Secretary. CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. — December 6, 1886: Numerous donations to the museum were made, among them a stone axe used by the natives of Alaska in making canoes. Prof. Davidson stated that he failed to observe any shower of meteors, or even a single meteor, on the nights of November 13 and 14; in the constellation of ‘Leo,’ showers of meteors were said to be due at that time, after a lapse of 33% years. Prof. S. B. Christy read a paper on ‘ Rustless Iron,’ and its application to architecture and engineering. PILL ORTAL. Another new year has arrived, and we wish it may prove a happy one to our readers. The rich table of contents this month renders further remarks under this head unnecessary, except as a matter of business we would state that each subscriber will receive this journal for the present until ordered discontinued and all arrearages are paid. Any subscriber failing to receive numbers which are due, will greatly oblige by promptly reporting to us, when they will be replaced. A cross on the cover or wrapper of the paper will indicate that your subscription is now due. 7 NOTES AND NEWS. A citizen’s association, for improving and beautifying San Diego, was recently organized in this city. Tree-planting, the improvement of the City park, and similiar undertakings are its principal objects. A population of 12,000 is now claimed for San Diego City, and 35,000 for the county. Mr. James Stevenson, the executive officer of the U.S. Geolog- ical Survey, urges in a recent report the commencement at once of work on the Southern California Geological Survey. The need of systematic geological, topographical and scientific re- searches in this county is seen by every observing person, and the results of such work, properly carried eut, would be invalu- able to the future development of this portion of the State. Notes and News. Capt. L. E. Frazer, who has charge of the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, Cal., was in the city recently. He hopes to have his telescope ready for observation by the New Year. Lieut. Thos. L. Casey made a short collecting trip to Fort Yuma, in search of coleoptera, in December. The fossil skeleton of a whale over thirty feet in length, has been discovered in Monterey county at over 3,300 feet above the sea. | A postal left Albany, N. Y. on the first of January, and traveled around the world, returning to Albany, in eighty-nine days. Two new species of fungi, collected by Dr. H. W. Harkness, of the recently described genus, Keller mannia are characterized in the October No. of the Journal of mycology. A new postal card is to be used by the United States, as soon as the stock of the present one is exhausted. The Photographic News states that Abney has succeeded in preparing plates which are sensitive to the rays lying beyond the red end of the spectrum, the dark heat rays, and with such plates used with a rock-salt lens there should be a possibility of photo- graphing bodies which possess a high temperature, although that temperature may be far below that needed to render them self- luminous. A London physician, who for six months tested Dr. Jaeger’s plan of wearing nothing but wool, day or night, says the result has been a complete immunity from colds and a marked increase in capacity for work. Instead of alternate feelings of heat and cold there has been a uniform and most agreeable glow of warmth. —[Australian Journal of Pharmacy. The Cincinnati Medical News says that Dr. Koch tells the fol- lowing story about the origin of his celebrated cultivative experi- ments. He had been, like many others, trying various kinds of decoctions and infusions, when, walking along the street one day, he noticed a potato covered with a fungus growth, and it occured to him that disease germs might thrive equally well on the same nutriment. This was the beginning of his wonderful series of dry cultivated experiments, and thus Professor Whittaker expressed it at New Orleans: ‘‘The potato was to Koch what the apple was to Newton.’’ Natural gas has been discovered in paying quantities in nine- teen states and territories of the Union. A remarkable tree is mentioned in the Gardeners’ Chronicle, which is said by Mr. W. T. Thiselton Dyer to be absolutely in- destructible by fire, it surviving in large districts where the dry pastures and bush are burnt twice a year, and everything except this tree is destroyed. It would be interesting to learn to what 44 West American Scientist. cause this immunity is due. The tree is a species of Rhopala, of a contorted appearance, and growing to about twenty feet in height. A microscopical examination of the tissue would be in- teresting. 3 LITERATURE Publications received :—Dr. Thomas Taylor’s reply to Scéence, relating to the crystals of butter, animal fats and oleomargarine. With colored plate. From the author, microscopist, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. : | Biennial report of the president of the University of California, 1886. From the University. On Tetraodon setosus, a new species allied to T. meleagris, Lacep. By Rosa Smith. Extract from Bull. No. 6, Calif. Acad. Sci.’ From the author. On the occurence of a new species of Rhinoptera (R. Encena- dae) in Todos.Santos Bay, Lower California. By Rosa Smith. Extract from Proc. U. S. National Museum, From the author. Revised list of rare American silver and copper coins. By E. T. Gambs, coin and stamp dealer, 234 Montgomery Street, San Francisco. From the author. , Among the journals received, we would mention the second monthly number of Sczence Series, a weekly magazine of natural science, containing ‘Parasites and their development.’ ‘ The dia- mond,’ ‘Alexander Von Humboldt’ and ‘Aquariums, how to make and stock.’ Le Naturaliste Canadien, of Cap Rouge (Province of Quebec, Canada) and the Business Educator, of Owen Sound, Ont., are welcome additions to our exchange list. THE BOTANICAL GAZETTE. An illustrated monthly of 24 pages or more devoted to all departments of Botany. Contains original investigations, descrip- tive articles, editorial comments, and botanical news from all parts of the world. It appeals both to the specialist and to the intelligent lover of plants. Price, $2.00 a year. - | ‘Dr. J. M. CouLTER, CRAWFORDSVILLE, IND. Pror. C. R. BARNES, LAFAYETTE, IND. ProF. J. C. ARTHUR, GENEVA, N. Y. ‘ Ep1tors & PUBLISHERS. THE BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BoTANICAL CLUB. A Monthly Journal of Botany, founded in 1870 by Wm. H. Leggett. Devoted to the publication or original investigations in the field and laboratory by members of the Club and other leading botanists. Subscription, $1.00 a year in advance, pay- able to the editor of the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, Columbia College, New York. . ———_-- 2 Pe { ‘, a a Bs: i ?. [: % ? OCCIDENTAL NURSERIES. | 70 and 72 South Los ‘Angeles Street, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. MATIVE and Exotic Plants, Shrubs and Ornamental Trees. A Specialty of Australian, Cape and Japanese plants, adapted to Our climate, aud of Roses suitable to Suuthern California. Grevillia Robusta, ‘‘the’’ sidewalk tree, and Strawberry Guava, in great quantity and low prices. Strong large pot plants of new _ roses; “Her Majesty,” “The Bride,” and “American Beauty,” cam be sent by freight to San Diego at less cost and more security than small mail plants from thé East. Cut blooms of these roses retailed at $1.00 a piece during the past season in the Eastern markets. Address, WM. 8S. LYON, Manager. 23 FRUIT AND FARM LANDS IN LOWER CALIFORNIA. The International « ology, Entomolegy, Geology, Oology, Mineralogy, Archaeology, etc. CHAS. GUELF, Brockport, N. Y. Subscription price, only —A COPY OF THE—— : (EL OOS LCE REe Nea ee eae Will be mailed to you for seven cents in stamps. It is devoted to Pop- ular Natural History, and contains from 20 to 24 pages each month. © When writing please mention this paper. Address, R. B. TROUSLOT, Valparaiso, Ind. THE SAN DIEGO UNION, DAILY AND WEEKLY. SAN DIEGO UNION CO., Proprietors. THE UNION was established in 1868. Until 1871 it was published only once a week, when a daily edition was begun. Tne Datny UnIon is pnblished every morning except Monday. THE WsxEKLY Union is published every Thursday. THY San Drego Union is the oldest of the 41 newspapers published in Southern Cali-_ fornia. Of the 389 papers published in the State, 297 have been started since it began publication. It is more than five years older than 245 of the journals of California, and more than ten years the senior of 168 of them. It has a larger bona fide circulation | than any other newspaper published in South- ern California. THE WEEKLY UNION, A large, eizht-page paper of fifty-six columns, circulates very largely abroad, as well as at home. It goes to nearly every family in the county, and its subscribers ‘‘stay with it.” It is conceded to be the best California weekly published out of San Francisco. Both daily and weekly editions circulate largely through Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and contiguous te: ritory. It has subscribers in thirty-five of the thirty-eight States, «nd in six of the eight Territories, in British Columbia, Canada, England, Scotland, ire-_ land, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the Sandwich Islands, China, Japan and the Australian Colonies. 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This publication furnishes s most valuable encyclopedia of information which no person should be without, The popularity of the Scren- TIFIC AMERICAN is such that its circula- tion nearly equals that of all other papers of its class combined. Price, $3 20 a year. Discount to Clubs. Sold by all newsdeal- ers. MUNN & CO., Publishers, No. 361 Broadway, New York. Munn & Co, ATENTS 225% 8 Yhirty eight yeurs? practice before the Patent Office and have prepared more than One hundred thousand applica- tions for Patents in the United States . and foreign countries. Caveats, Trade-Marks, Copy-rights, Assign- ments, and all other papers for se- curing to inventors their rights in the United States, Canada, England, France, Germany, and other for ign countries, prepared at short notice and on reasonable terms, Information as to obtsining pat- euts cheerfally given without charge. Hand. books of information sent free, Patents AMERIOAN, 361 Broadway, New York, — ae sy 2 TR DOTT, 4 Re Os ~ ae aKa 2b, Wuore No. 23. 7 THe an + Scientist ; oe “ Ms ‘pyle oom and Record a the Pacific Coast. : ay i arreet Organ of the San Diego Society . isa | of Natural History. -@ R.ORCUTT, - — Epo CONTENTS: _ Minerals and Mines of San EHORO.. . eae ees BR, OPCUtE Sg soit 6G ‘andi Mice in Humboldt County............Carl C. Marshall.... 72 ‘4h 73 MM er erea Masiarediv.. oe craiBe Bocelli. 75 : _ History of the Agassiz Association............H.H. Ballard ...... 76 Repanta Cruzisiand...5. 5.0.2.8... /... Up wetah sss CAMEVs ap BOWELS.) o's. 177 ae The Labor Performed by Bees...... oR ROG SES Eid RE pees Ray 2 _ The Whistling 1 AS a Ce a ea Fie te sie Bay Extinct Animals..... AN ete cite « iegkery: | IVE. D2; No. 1228 Belmont Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. (@rofessor of Chemistry and Mineralogy; Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; Life Memper of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and ~ American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, N. Y. City.) eci-" ail: as a” lS eS ay : : » SEE a Amuzgo Stone: sBs 3 i ors nZn Pprke’s Peals, Col. = a a3 Bi Bawa | Be é aadi stp 3 os eee =| S38 Beg sia% s mee Sa2? Be: Sa eS. ‘ AEE =| eT BH SEE il SB i 4g >. Wes Se pat” 4 ge3 S256 \ 328 Bx2od gs z oan a 2's boa Eee ss A. ae HSS S nee 5 Soe Ee Base i Fae o- = : Uy 4 & BO Pe-beee | A.€.FOOTE. 14 co x : F=F~-T— ; Ze ' » ‘My Mineralogical Catalogue of 199 pageés is.sent post-paid on receipt of 25 cents; ‘heavy paper, 50 cents; bound in cloth, 75 cents; half sheep, $1.00; half calf, $1.25; cloth, interleaved, $1.00; half sheep, interleaved, $1.25; half calf, interleaved, $1.50; (price-list alone, 16 pp.,3 cents). Itis profusely illus- trated, and the printerand engraver charged me about $1,100 before a copy was struck off. By means of the table of species and accompanying tables, most species may be verified. The price-list is an excellent check ret, con- taining the namesof all the specics, and the more common varieties, arranged alphabetically and preceded by the species number. The species number in- dicates the place of any mineral in the table of species; after it will be found the species name, composition, streak or lustre, cleavage or fracture, hard- ' ness, specifie gravity, fusibility and crystallization. Ihavevery many species not on the price-list, and some that I had in 1876 are no longer in stock. Collections of Minerals for Students, Amateurs, Professors, Physicians, et al. The collections of 100 illustrate all the principal species and all the grand subdivisions in Dana and other works on Mineralogy; all the principal Ores, etc., etc. The collections are labeled with printed labels, that can only be removed by soaking. The labels of the $5.00 and higher-priced coilections give Dana’s species number, the name, locality, and in most cases, the com- Pe of the Mineral; the $5.00, and higher, are also accompanied by my llustrated Catalogue and table of species. d I have now over forty tons, and over $50,000 worth of Minerals, mostly. erystallized,in stock. Itis well recognized that my prices are lower and my specimens better labeled than those of any otherdealerin thecountry. This is mainly due to the immense stock I carry (the largest of minerals of any in the country) and my system of printed labels attached to the specimnens. Catalogue of 2,500 species of Shells, made for me by George W. Tryon, Jr., who has labeled nearly all my shells, 3 cents; printed on heavy paper, with genus label list, 10 cents. I have purchased one or two of the most celebrated collections known, and have now over 2,000 pounds, 3,000 species, and 30,000 specimens of Shells’ and Corals in stock. Catalogue of Birds, Eggs, Eyes, Skins, etc., etc., 3 cents. Catalogues of Books, 16 pp., each 3 cents. Medicine, etc., 48 pp., 5 cents. (Please specify exactly what class of books you wish eatalogues of. Send for the Naturalist’s Leisure Hour, giving full particulars. Spe e‘men copy free. You will confer a double fayor by hending this to some, Physician or other person interested in science. Please mention where you saw this. “Le Naturaliste Canadien,” 32-page, 8-in., illustrated monthly. S210 0 A. eA The only publication in the French Language, on Natural History on this continent. It is actually pursuing a revision of Hymenoptera with descriptions of several new species and the history of Hemiptera of the Province of Quebec. Address: L’Abbe Provancher, Caphrouge, Q., Canada. FRUIT AND FARM LANDS IN LOWER CALIFORNIA. The International Company of Mexico, OLE owners and only authorized Colonization Agents of the Mexican Government. tor Lower California. H1nst NATIONAL BANK BUILDING, San Diego, California. 29 a WENTESCH BR; GHNHRAL COMMISSION, Forwarding and Shipping, SAN DIEGO, CAL. FOR FINE CLOTHING —_AWD— Mens Furnishings, “a FH, LION = TAKES THE LEAD, Carrying the Largest and Best Assorted Stock in San Diego County. Almost any known article in wearing apparel worn by the male sex can be found with a certainty, and the prices and styles are acknowledged -‘ correct.’’ KUHN, WURZBURG & CO,, Proprs. FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING, SAN DIEGO, CAL, —SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THE— ‘“* SOA LS Sees HE new Official organ of the AGAssiz AssOcIATION, for young folks, or to any other American or Foreign Magazines or Periodicals, will be received by the Edit- or of this magazine.—The Swiss Cross, $1.50 a year. Samples, 15 cents. MURRAY & GUION, Keal Estate and Loan Agents, Cor. E and sixth Stes. SAN DIEGO, CAL. N. B.—Mr. Guion’s stx years experience as Deputy Assessor en- ables him to impart reliable information concerning the country. HAMILTON & CO. SAN DIEGQ@R CAL. Dealers in General Merchandise + do A SUPPLY STORE FOR FARMERS and FAMILIKS. We handle the products of this county, and ask for orders for Honey, Beeswax,SanjDiego Kaisins, Lemons Oranges, Etc. AGENTS! NOTICE! You can make money selling such new books as «|, Marvelous Wonders of the Whole World, Geuerdl Robert &. Lee's Memoirs, Remarks DY Bill Nye The Greatest Humorist of the age, ~rrGreatest, Cheapest, Latestyr~ | ~ People’s Gyclopedia, 30 EDITORS, and S000 Illustrations and —_ | fs ae Royal Octavo Volumes. — Complete outfit mailed free to those meaning business, Address ce for Terms and Territory, iy 1 BANCROFT & 60, 607 Market Street, san Francisco. a a Pree, A Pe ae No ee > a — = ee. +) One Pa — — Po are? ee a = ©? 2 AA fie 27. Pers sy oS = > “ng roam THE CONCHOLOGISTS EXCHANGE. ay monthly publication devoted to Conchologisty and their interests. Scientists generally will find it to their interests to subscribe to this paper as ‘Exchange’ columns are pro- vided for the disposal of Shells, Scientific specimes generally, and Books. Subscription price, 25c per annum; to foreign countries, 35c; sample copy on application. Address WM. D. AVERELIL, Editor and Publisher, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. Bayborn Literary and Musical Institute, PROF. ALBERT MATSON, PRINcIPAL, D Street, bet. 7th and Sth, San Diego, Cal, American Monthly Microscopical Journal. A periodical for all who use microscopes either professionally or as amateurs. “Tam much pleased with the Journal and have received much valuable information.” “T learn many new things fom it, and I am sure that it is the case with all who read it,” 447 Specimen copies sent free on application. EDITOR, HENRY L. OSBORN, Ph. D., Lafayette, Indiana. THE SAN DIEGO UNION. DAILY AND WEEKLY. SAN DIEGO UNION CO., Proprietors. THe UNION Was established in 1868. Until 1871 it was published only once a week, when a daily edition was begun. Tne DatLy Union is pnblished every morning except Monday. THR WsskLY UNion is pubjished every Thursday. TH* SAN Dizgo Union is the oldest of the 41 newspapers published in Southern Cali- fornia. Of the 389 papers published in the State, 297 have been started since it began publication. It is more than five years older than 245 of the journals of California, and more than ten years the senior of 168 of them. It has a larger bona fide circulation than any other newspaper published in South- ern California. THE WEEKLY UNION. A large, eizht-page paper of fifty-six columns, circulates very largely abroad, as well as at home. It goes to nearly every family in the county, and its subscribers ‘‘stay with it.” It is conceded to be the best California weekly published out of San Francisco. Both daily and weekly editions circulate largely through Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and contiguous te ritory. It has subscribers in thirty-five of the thirty-eight States, «nd in six of the eizht Territories, in British Columbia, Canada, England, Scotland, [re- land, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy. Spain, the Sandwich Islands, China, Japan and the Australian Colonies. The wide circu lation, influential position and representative character of the paper are undisputed. Per- 80N8 Wishing accurate information respecting the Southern part of California should sub- scribe for Tag UNION. Sample copies sent on application. TERMS. THe Waexiy Union. | Tue Dairy UNION, One Year:...... $3 OO | One Year....g10 00 Six Months,.... 1 60 | Six Months.. 5 00 Three Months... 75{|Three Months 2 50 One Month....... 25| One Month.. 1 00 Address, THE UNION, Sam Dizgo Cat. BUSINESS MANAGER, RUFUS W. DEE «i NnG, Washington, D. C. Scientific American ESTABLISHED 1846. p= SE The most popular Weekly newspaper devoted to science, mechanics, engineering, discoveries, inventions and patents ever published. Every number illustrated with splendid engravings. This publication furnishes a most valuable encyclopedia of information which no person should be without. The popularity of the Scren- TIFIC AMEKIOAN is such that its circula- tion nearly «quals that of all other papers of its class combined. Price, $3 20a year. Discount to Clubs. Sold by all newsdeal- ers. MUNN & €O., Publishers, No. 361 Reosdway, New York. Monn & Co. A Ai S have also had Bact rhe oh we) Bphirty eight ye As? practice before the Patent Office and have prepared more than One hundred theusand applica- tions for Patents in the United States and foreign countries... Caveats, Prade-Marks, Copy-rights, Assign- ments, and all other pepers fc. r se- curing to inventors their rights in the United States, Canada, England, France, Germany, and other for ign countries, prepared at short notice and on reasunuble terms. Information as to cbtaining pat- ents cheerfully given without charge. Hand. books of information sent free. Patents obtained through Munn & Co. are noticed. in the Scientific American free. The ed- vantage of such notice is well underst: od! by all persons who wish to dispose of their: patents, Address MUNN & CO., Office Screnririo: AMERICAN, 361 Broadway, New York. F.R. WETMORE & CO. AGENTS, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, Have earned the reputation of being the most thoreughly reliable Firm in all their dealings in REAL ESTATE. We have the Finest FARMING LANDS, in large and small tracts, in all parts of the country, suitable for every kind of Farming, Fruit Growing and Grazing, and at prices to suit every individual, The The Best Choicest Tracts Rutines meme far and Lots Capitalists ¢ in and : , San Diego, Colonies with are ; mi Wood and Water A C E N 7 S ’ National City, in “OEE. Bean and abundance. Dm MARK elsewhere. f Beautifully improved places for Country Residences, Suburban Homes _and City Dwellings, Handsome Grounds, Fine Orchards and Groves of Tropical Fruits. MONEY TO LOAN IN ANY QUANTITY. As Bankers, we are prepared to make Loans for non-resident and other Depositors on first mortgages in any sums, We take charge of Property, pay Taxes, Insurance, ete., for non-residents. | CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED. Pe as if MAY, 1887. WHOLE No. 25. ETE West + American + Scientist. - : j a Be ‘ A Popular Review and Record for the Pacific Coast. Ms Sh ae io > - 5 i ae Official Organ of the San Diego Society ‘a # ; , : ? Se of Natural History. Sage : Ben. et. B ORCUTT, =~ EvITOR ae } “24. CONTENTS: | Gypsum on the Coast of Lower California..M. Lopatecki............ 117 » ‘Eminent Naturalists—VI............ -200e Josiah Keep..... 2.0.05 e818 UP TAATE CC FAIG ss Sacc.es 6 adic sie's ots’ oo ....-Populnr Science News... 119 Content (a poem)..... a ge eS sie ae PRU siete Soiods n't pele. ea a0 BRI WaAatAN PCTS. +. os ncnsgswcccdc ccs coame Lorenzo G. Yates....... 120 eaweris of Ceylon... 00's <..-. 2 s0cse0 sees cene Lorenzo G. Yates..... I2E __ Santa Barbara Society of Natural History..Mrs. R. F. Bingham..... 122 =) Aquatic Plants of San Diego...........+20: Rasoiees CCM: noite wees s 123 Items Relating to Insects...... ad aha © Compiled for ScIENTIST. 126 eRe AOU ISIE vsce esis is acs vee e's 0s Cape Compiled for SCIENTIST. 127 Marre ater) EYIGIRONGG oigc's 4's 5 04's n ere o tle «+e dege SIGIOCLER 2a iievoniasiges ues 128 PNOCIOIO LY sv os civada beens Bis WGI ¢ 6 GMMMMUM NS An Illustrated Monthly Journal for the Ranch, Garden and Fireside of Semi-Tropica! America. Subscription, $1.60 per Year. H. C. COOKE & CO., PUBLISHERS. OFFICE, Room I, Bancroft Building, SAN DIEGO, CAL. GEO. W. ROBERTS, Real Estate Agent, a ATO pee fs ori Terminus of Cal. Southern R. R., 4 miles South of San Diego. Correspondence solicited. “Le Naturaliste Canadien,” 32-page, 8-in., illustrated monthly. SBSali00 A SE AH. The only publication in the French Language, on Natural History on this continent. It is actually pursuing a revision of Hymenoptera with descriptions of several new species and the history of Heu.iptera of the Province of Quebec. Address: L’Abbe Provancher, Caphrouge, Q., Canada. FRUIT AND FARM LANDS IN LOWER CALIFORNIA. The International « ompany of Mexico, OLE owners and only authorized Colonization Agents of the Mexican Government for Lower California. First NATIONAL BANK BUILDING, San Diego, California. 29 Ass WEN TECH ER, GENERAL COMMISSION, Forwarding and Shipping, SAN DIEGO, CAL. mem KIINE GLOTHING —————AI D—— Men’s Furnishings, Berit BlON se TAKES THE LEAD, Carrying the Largest and Best Assorted Stock in San Diego County. Gyo Almost any known article in wearing apparel worn by the male sex can be found with a certainty. and the prices and styles are acknowledged *‘ correct.’’ KUHN, WURZBURG & CO, Proprs. FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING, SAN DIEGO, CAL, —SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THE— 2 RS NAN ae > Caen ee Dy, HE new Official organ of the AGassiz AssoctaTIon, for young folks, or to any other Americ nor Foreign Magazines or P riodic al-, will be received by the Edit. or of this magazine —The Suiss Cross, $1.50 a year. Samples, 15 cents, Minerals, Scientiie and Menteal Books, Stell, Fossils, Binds, Foe And all objects of Natural History, are bought, sold and exchanged by Se — Es lea Os Sa ew No. i228 Belmont Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. (Professor of Chemistry and Mineralogy; Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; Life Memper of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, N. Y. City.) eci- nts a year, issue, = Admuzorw Stone, ~ Pike’s Peal, Cat. | - § “Naturalist's Leisure pion, 75 cents a monthly onthly, Subscri ONY 7 cyl lil ms | a pages, sent free, mons sent to any part of the world by mail f tho illustrated m For Club Rates and Premiums, see eac Py 9 Hour,” of 32 ec STRIONITT JO SuOT}OTION ,, doy teowomY Ave 07 wears [epow pur preare 4Tuo om} pur “97 ST Jo worysodzyy perate4 009 ON} 4¢ ou0 Lue 0 WOAIS pire Jsoqoly OF} poatooes F Speci men co My Mineralogical Catalogue of 100 pages is sent post-paid on receipt of 25 cents; heavy paper, 50cents; bound in cloth, 75 cents; half sheep, $1.00; half calf, $1.25; cloth, interleaved, $1.00; half sheep, interleaved, $1.25: half calf, interleaved, $1.50; (price-list alone, 16 pp.,3 cents). Itis profusely illus- trated, and the printer and engraver charged me about $1,100 before a copy was struck off. By means of the table of species and accompanying tables, most species may be verified. The price-list is an excellent check Tist, con- taining the names of all the species, and the more common varieties, arranged alphabetically and preceded by the species number. The species number m- dicates the place of any mineral in the table of species; after it will be found the species name, composition, streak or lustre, cleavage or fracture, hards ness, specific gravity, fusibility and crystallization. I havevery many species not on the price-list, and some that I had in 1876 are no longer in stock, _ Collections of Minerals for Students, Amateurs, Professors, Physicians, et al. The collections of 100 illustrate all the principal species and all the grand subdivisions in Dana and other works on Mineralogy; all the principal Orcs, etc., etc. The collections are labeled with printed labels, that can only be removed by soaking. The labels of the $5.00 and higher-priced collections give Dana’s species number, the name, locality, and in most cases, the com- Pea of the Mineral; the $5.00, and higher, are also accompanied by my llustrated Catalogue and table of species. ' I have now over forty tons, and over $50,000 worth of Minerals, mostly crystallized, in stock. Itis well recognized that my prices are lower and my specimens better labeled than those of any other dealer in thecountry, This is mainly due to the immense stock I carry (the largest of minerals of any in the country) and my system of printed Jabels attached to the specixnens. Catalogue of 2,500 species of Shells, made for me by George W. Tryon, Jr., who has labeled nearly all my shells, 3 cents; printed on heavy paper, with genus label list, 10 cents. I have purchased one or two of the most celebrated collections known, and have now over 2,000 pounds, 3,000 species, and 30,000 specimens of Shells and Corals in stock. Catalogue of Birds, Eggs, Eyes, Skins, etc., ete.,3 cents. Catalogues of Books, 16 pp., each 3 cents. Medicine, etc., 48 pp., 5 cents. (Please specify exactly what class of books you wish eatalogues off : | Send for the Naturalist’s Leisure Hour, giving full particulars. Spe e(men copy free. You will confer a double favor by hending this to some, Physician or other person interested in science. Please mention where you saw this- To be returned at once to S. E, CASSINO 137 High Street, Boston, Mass. International Scientists’ Directory for 1888. Date, aa 1887. Ne en re Given Gia”? o25-RS: HIRAM MABURY, GEO. A. COWLES, _ E. W. MORSE, JAMES McCOY, O. S. WITHERBY, JAMES M. PIERCE. _ BRYANT HOWARD. A GENERAL BANKING BUSINESS TRANSACTED. EXCHANGE ON ALL THE PR'‘NCIPAL CITIES OF EUROPE AND AMERICA BOUGHT AND LRAWN. The policy of this bank is conservative,—its business being confined strictly to legitimate banking. Its officers and employees are prohibited from dealing in stocks or engaging in speculative schemes. Its stockholders founded the first two banks here, and have long been identified with all the leading industries of our City and Ccunty, and its Managers have had experience of many years in banking and in placing loans in Southern California for other parties. They are thorough- ly acquainted with the resources and wants of the County, and aim to extend every aid in its development consistent with prudent banking. fk SAVINGS BANK OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY. (In Consolidated National Bank Building.) CAPITAL, - - ~ ~~ $100,000 —OFFICERS— JAMES M. PIERCE, - - - President. GEO. A. COWLES, - - - Vice-President. JOHN GINTY, - - Secretary and Treasurer. —7DineC |) Ona. O. S. WITHERBY, H. MABURY, Ew. : MORSE, GEO. H. COWLES, JAMES M2RIERCE,, .- JAMES McCoy, BRYANT HOWARD. / Interest allowed on Deposits, Money loaned on Real Estate, if I. fords ACID PHOSPHATE, (LaLa tr.) A preparation of the phosphates that is readily assimilated by the system. ESPECIALLY RECOMMENDED FOR Dyspepsia, Mental and Physical Exhaus- tion, Indigestion, Headache, Nerv- ousness, Wakefulness, Im- paired Vitality, Ete. Prescribed and endorsed by Physicians of all schools. It combines well with such stimulants as are necessary to tale. It makes a delicious drink with water and sugar only. For sale by all druggists. Pamphlet free. Rumford Chemical Works, Providence, R, I, mevvare of Imitations. THe West Aeriean Seren tise. Vou MAY, 187. _NO- 25 HE .OAKS OF SOUTHERN AND LOWER. CALI FORNIA. | The oak, the chestnut and the beech belong to a family which furnishes some of the most insignificant and worthless shrubs, and some of the grandest and most useful of trees. The family is easily distinguished by nut acorns in cups and simple, alter- nate leaves. This genus contains some 250 species distributed throughout the temperate and warm regions of the northern hemisphere, and are especially abundant in Eastern Asia and in Mexico. The wood of the genus is mostly hard and durable, rendering it valuable for economic uses, while the bark, from the amount of tannin it contains, is extensively used in the manufacture of leather. Quercus agrifolia, the maritime live oak of California, furnishes the tanners at San Diego with their main supply of bark for tannin purposes. The bark of another oak, Q. suber, of South- ern Europe and North Africa, supplies the world with the cork of commerce. The cork oak flourishes finely in California, and has proved of rapid growth at Fresno, Santa Barbara and elsewhere. Of the forty kinds of oak found wild within the limits of the United States, fifteen are residents of California, eight or nine of these growing in the region included in the title of this sketch, and all but one or two of them are peculiar to the West Coast. The true forests of San Diego County, and of the northern part of the Californian Peninsula, are confined to the mountains of an altitude of four to ten thousand feet. Three distinct areas in this county are covered with forests of oak and pine, centering around the peaks of San Jacinto, Palomar and Cuyamaca, while in Lower California are found the famous forests of the graceful ‘pinyone pine and the grand old pineries around Hanson’s ranch and on grim old San Pedro Mountain. These mountain glades and forests are delightful places for camping in the clear, bracing air that comes sweet from pines and cedars, and laden with a grateful fragrance, ' 136 West American Scientist. I wish to emphasize here that these forests should remain intact. The value of the timber on these water sheds is insigni- ficant compared to the benefit which results to the surrounding country from their presence, and it would be a near-sighted and extremely fatal policy that should seek to utiize them otherwise. The timber is inferior in quality to that found further north. Stringent measures should be taken to prevent injury to these water sheds either from the woodman’s ax or from destructive mountain fires. Quercus lobata, Nee, is a large and stately tree, with glabrous slender, often pendulent branches, that may be looked for in the higher mountains but-I have not met with it in the wild state. Young trees are in cultivation near San Diego. Q. chrysolepis, Liebm, the largest evergreen oak of California: is found abundant on the San Jacinto, Palomar and Cuyamaca Mountains, and a few straggly, stunted trees were found near Hanson’s ranch, Lower California, at an elevation of about six thousand feet. This golden-leafed live oak at its best grows to a height of 100 feet with a spread of 150 ‘eet and a diameter of eight to ten feet. At high altitudes or in unfavorable locations it merely forms a low shrub. The acorns mature the second season after flowering ard are remarkable tor their large size. O. Kelloggii, Newberry, fitly commemorates the services of the gentle botanist who so recently passed away. It is a middle-sized tree, sometimes a shrub, with rough black bark, common through- out the State. It is found in this county with the preceding species, but I have not yet observed it in Lower California. Leaves thick, broadly oval, pinnatifid-lobed, three to four and one-half or more rarely six inches long, deciduous. QO. oblongifolia, Torrey, the mountain live oak, or evergreen white oak, occupies some of the higher valleys at the foot of the mountains, forming pretty groves on their borders and lining some of the ‘canyons. It is a middle-sized tree with pale, smoothish bark, attaining a height of twenty or thirty feet. The oblong leaves are one or two inches long and half as wide, on very short petioles, entire or with a few blunt teeth, obtuse at each end or subcordate at base, at first soft, downy, the older ones entirely glabrous, coriaceous and almost without reticula- tion. I have not noted the species south of the United States line. It is also known as the post oak. I now come to the lower mountain district, bordering the Colorado Desert, so-called, that forms the eastern part of San Diego County and of the nor.hern half of the peninsula. This region possesses a distinct flora, as far as the general character of vegetation is concerned, from that found west of the mountains, and presents three species of oaks not found elsewhere in Calli- fornia. Two of these three species are common to Arizona and - thi ua Mah \ND VALLEY SLOPE, ON THE PENINSULA. f i —_~ . = = = a4 * o ~ = ox ~ ~ = ae) A = ~— s) MS < O ea > | — -ALIFORNIA., RG LOWE 138 West American Scientist. New Mexico, and, with the white oak, are the only Californian oaks not exclusively confined to the west coast. QO. Emoryi, Torrey, is found in no great numbers on the table lands of the peninsula and may possibly stray north into San Diego County. This small tree grows some twenty feet in height and forms a handsome, compact tree in favored situations. The small, acute, usually entire leaves somewhat resemble those of ©. chrysolepis. Emory’s oak was supposed to be restricted to Arizona and New Mexico, until I sent specimens to the late Dr. Engelmann from this region. Frequently only a scraggly shrub. QO. pungens, Liebm, Dr. Engelmann treated in the Botany of California as a variety of Q. undulata, Torrey, of the Rocky Mountains, Dr. Engelmann, shortly before his death, wrote me that he considered it as a good species, and therefore I take the liberty of restoring it to specific rank. It is common in Arizona and New Mexico, while Dr. Parry found it in the California Desert, and I have found it quite abundant in the low mountains eastward of San Diego, near the southern border of the county, and southward over the vast table lands of the peninsula among the pinyones and other pines and with the preceding and follow- ing species. It is frequently not over a foot or two high, but sometimes reaches a height of ten or more feet. The small dentate, sharply pointed leaves are persistent through. the winter, rendering it an evergreen, and the acorns are sweet and edible. I remember the low bushes thickly covered with the small acorns set among the leaves in October, 1882, and the exceedingly numerous excresences formed by gall flies that were attached to nearly every leaf. These ‘oak apples’ were from one quarter to one inch in diameter, as round as marbles and as_ beautifully marked with delicate lines and coarser markings of light red or pink on a pale ground color as any artist could desire. The effect of such gaily decked bushes on every hand during the long drives will not soon be forgotten. QO. Dunnii, Kellogg (Q. Palmeri, of Engelmann), extends from the low mountains of San Diego County, near the southern border, over the table lands of the peninsula, and is not yet known from any other region. It is a tall shrub or small tree, eight to fifteen feet in height, with small, coriaceous and very rigid leaves, on petioles a line or two long, round, oval, obtuse or subcordate at base, with undulate or strongly-dentate margins. The subsessile acorns borne in turbinate cups, the nut densely tomentose within. This is very appropriately called the holly- leaved live oak. QO. dumosa, Nuttall, is the common shrub oak extending from Lake County on the north to San Queniin Bay on the south, and from the coast throughout the hills into the higher mountains. It is usually a low shrub near the coast, with sharp dentately- toothed leaves that render the clumps almost impenetrable. Ata West American Scientist. 139 higher elevation it becomes a taller shrub or a small tree, some- times with entire leaves. The acorns are very variable also in size and shape. A peculiar excresence is formed by some insect on the leaves of this oak, the galls being armed with deep, bright red spin s and collected in small bunches that are quite noticeable on account of their beauty. Q. agrifolia, Nee, the California field live oak, is a most grand and picturesque tree with a stout low trunk and wide spreading branches clothed in dark green leaves that persist in rendering the tree an evergreen. The acorn is long, slender and tapering, borne in a turbinate cup, an inch to an inch and one-half long, maturing the first year This magnificent oak is found from north of San Francisco to south of Todos Santos Bay, on the west coast of Jlower California, extending back from the coast over the foot hills, bordering the canyons and forming beautiful groves in the valleys. Through the mountains of this county, southward in the peninsula, they form a prominent and character- istic feature, but are absent from the higher mountains. The southern limit seemed tome near La Grulla, where I left the last low individuals of the species on my trip in 1886 to the region near the old mission of San Fernando. They may be found, perhaps, in the mountains back of San Quentin Bay. Mr. Belding mentions an oak resembling this in the southern extrem- ity of the peninsula, but Mr. Gabb does not mention it as occuring south of where I observed the tree. The accompanying illustration represents a characteristic individual of this beautiful tree, said to equal and even surpass in size the famous oak of Louisiana, with which it still further vies in the graceful tolds and hanging draperies that de k its far reaching branches, furnished by the delicate meshes of the lace lichen, Ramalina reticulata. This view will still further interest some of the readers of this magazine to know that the scene it depicts is that where Dr. C. C. Parry, C. G. Pringle, the author and others have collected some of the identical plants which now repose in their herbaria, this very tree furnishing us with shade at noonday, the little meadow below, rich pasturage for our horses, and the little stream beneath the sycamores on the left supplying water for lemonade and coffee. Near by our tent has been erected, our blankets spread. and botanist’s hearts satished with rich floral treasures— the grand Lathyrus splendens, the queen among them all ! Ce Te. ONG. WOTESON LOWER CARIFORNIA PLANTS. I lately had the pleasure of examining an intercsting collection of plants made by Maurice Lopatecki on the survey of the coast of Lower California by the U. 5. S. Ranger. The Spanish names which the collector has secured, add considerably to the value of the specimens, and are here given after the botanical name. Igo West American Scientist. Triis angustifolia, D.C. var. latiuscula, Gray, Yerba del aigre. Chitonia simplicifolia, Watson. Yerba del cuervo. Franseria chenopodifolia, Bth. Misapol. Galvesia juncea, Gray. Cafutillo? Astragalus trichopodes. Gray. Guarvancia? Fruit poison. Rhus laurina, Nutt. Jentisco. Simmondsia Californica, Nutt, Tojova (used with cacao). Larrea Mexicana, Moric. Gobernadora. Euphorbia micromera, Boiss, Calandrina. Viguiera Parishii, Gray, Yerba amargo. Fonquiera splendens, Engelm, Hocotillo or Palo Adan. Porophyllum gracile, Bth. Yerba del Venado. Pluchea borealis, Gray. Haria. Atriplex canescens, James, Chamisso. Dalea Seemanni. Watson. Santimia? Sphaeralcea Emoryi, Torr. Malva Cimarona. In the collection were two new species of Opuntia known under the names of tasahio and civire, the latter with fine red blossoms and both growing barely a span high. Some of the plants it was impossible to positively identify, a few of them probably being new to science. The Copal tree was col- lected only in leaf; Damiana a pretty malvaceous bush, I have also collected but am not sure as to its proper name. Escuius Parryi, Gray, was credited by the collector to Blanco bay; Solanum Hindsianum to Playa Maria bay; Lavatera assurgen- tifolia to Gervaimo Island. Veatch’s primrose, Fouquiera splendens, copal. damiana, Larrea Mexicana, Simmondsia Californica, Dalea Seemanni, Euphorbia micromera, Sphaeralcea Emoryi, and Franseria chenopodifolia, were among the plants collected in San Andreas valley and the vicinity. Rutilla appeared to be a species of Lycium, probably L. richii. The abundance of the beautiful blue palm, Erythea armata, south of San Quentin bay which this gentleman reports 1s pleasing news. The cirio (erroneously written cereo, in the description, that being the pronunciation), Fouquiera gigantea, he also reports abundant in the interior. The Adam’s tree, Fouquiera splendens, seems to be abundant south of San Quentin bay. It will be remembered that the three species last mentioned I found a year ago near E] Rosario mission. C. &., Orem: PROIALBER GEL LILOGG- This veteran botanist of the Pacific Coast, died in Alameda, Cal., on the 31st. of March, at the age of seventy-four, years. He was a native of New Hartford, Conn. For over thirty years Dr. Kellogg has been identified with the botany of California and the West American Scientasi. | 14 adjacent region, commencing September 4, 1854, when he ex- hibited a drawing and specimen ofa plant. from the salt marshes of the bay of San Francisco, the Franknnia grandilolia, at a meet- ing of the California academy of sciences, of which he was one of the founders. During all these years he was constantly active, either in the field or the herbarium. He was exceedingly skillful with his pencil and brush in rendering from nature, and up to nearly the last moment was engaged in making drawings of the floral and sylvan species of the Pacific states, particularly the sylva, with the intention of illustrating a work on the indigensus trees of California. He must have left a large and valuable series of figures, if not a completed monograph, of the botanical forms of the region referred to. The published results of his various and prolonged investiga- tions have appeaied from time to time in the proceedings and bulletins of the California academy and elsewhere; and his name holds a conspicuous place in all of the principal works relating to the botany of the western coast of North America In 1867 he visited the then Russian territory of Alaska in the capacity of surgeon and botanist to the spec.al expedition of that year, having received the appointment trom Prof. George Davidson, who had charge of the scientific division on that occasion. Of his personal qualities, all who knew Dr. Kellogg will bear testimony to his simplicity, genuineness, and purity; and his in- variable kindly disposition. His was altogether a rare and most lovable character. It may properly be said that his nature was in many ways as attractive us the beaut ful furms he studied. Con- sidering the period of his arrival in California, and the ruling pas- sion and influences which governed the community at that ume, as compared with his refined tastes and quiet ways of life a most extraordinary contrast is presentel. In the light of ordinary experience, it is hardly conceivable of a human being. among human beings ot the same race, more absolutely out of place than he. However incongruous the surging tide and rush of affiairs about him, he held the noiseless tenor ot his way. His gentle life has passed. He will be affectionately remembered by many.— weer. C.',S., 22 Sctence. PROF. WILLIAM ASHBURNER. William Ashburner, the well known mining engineer «ft San Francisco, died in that city, April 20, after a brief illness. ‘Ihe deceased held a high place in his profession, and was vrecily esteemed by all who knew him. He was born in stuckbridge. Mass., in 1831. He attended the public schw ‘Js of his native town In 1849 he entered the Lawrence scientific scl ool a, Cambridge and after two years went to Paris, where he p. rsucu suc. studies 142 West American Scientztst. aS are requisite to the profession of mining engineer at the Ecole des mines. In 1854 he returned to this country, and, accom- panied by the late Prof. Rivot. he devoted several months to the examination of the mineral region of Lake Superior. In 1859 he was engaged in the exploration of a part of the island of New Foundland, and in 1860 he went to California as one of the chief assistants in the state geological survey of which Prof. J. D. Whitney was the director. In 1864 he was appointed one of the commissioners of the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Big Tree Grove, a position he held until 1880. From 1862 until 1883 Prof. Ashburner was actively engaged in his professional work, and travelled almost incessantly in the mining districts of the United States, British Columbia and Mexico, also in the more distant regions of South America and Asia. In 1874 he was made professor of mining in the University of California. In 1880 he was appointed regent af the same Univer- sity, and was a member of the board of regents at the time of his death. He was selected by the late James Lick as one of the trustees of the California school of mechanical arts, and was other- wise prominent in various scientific and educational societies, and his death will be regarded as a public loss.— R. &. C. S. in Science. THe WEVROCTA PINE. **About the sources of the Alleghany River,’ says Dr. Edwin James in that rare old work, Long’s expedition te the Rocky Mountains, ‘‘are extensive forests of pine On French creek and other tributary streams are large bodies of lands closely covered with forests, where the great Weymouth pine and the hemlock spruce are intermixed with beech, birch, and the sugar maple. The great white or weymouth pine, is one of the most beautiful of the North American species. Its trunk often attains the diameter of five or six feet, rising smooth and straight from sixty to eighty feet, and terminated by a dense conical top. This tree, though not exclusively confined to the northern parts of our continent, attains there its greatest magnitude and perfection. It forms a striking feature in the forest scenery of Vermont, New Hampshire and some parts of Canada and New Yerk, rising by nearly half its elevation above the summits of the other trees, and resembling, like the palms of the tropics, so beautifully described by M. De Saint Pierre in his Paul and Virginia, and also by Baron Hum- boldt in his personal narrative, a forest planted upon another forest. The sighing of the wind in the tops of these trees, resembles the scarce audible murmurings of a distant waterfall, and adds greatly -to the impression of solennity produced by the gloom and silence of the pine forest. In the southern parts of the Alleghany Moun- West American Scientist. 143 tains, pines are less frequent; and in the central portions of the valley of the Mississippi, they are extremely rare.’’ It has been a pleasure to transcribe the above because it re- minded me of a ride, quite unique to me, through a pine forest in the eastern part of Vermont, many years since. The aroma from the pine trees was delicious and strengthening, and. the wind as above alluded to, sighing through the branches seemed to be a mystery to our young horse and he hastened on with inc easing speed as if to distance his pursuer, but the road was level and straight forward, and fearlessly we rode on with the speed of the wind. The grandeur of the tall pines on either side of the way, their fragrance and their music, the apparent apprehension of animal life for its safety, the route never before passed, the novelty of the scene was all recalled by Dr. James’ description of the great white pine. . amy de THE FLOWERS Fe BROUGHT. The music of the rippling brooks, And all the sweetness caught, From tarrying in woody nooks, Came with the flowers he brought. The morning light of May was there With all its beauty fraught, And love, a tender bud, and fair, Came with the flowers he brought. Its presence lighted up the room, And hallowed every thought, And to my heart a richer bloom Came with the flowers he brought. SAN DiEGO, CAL. ag Es BORED BIA TS. The most dreaded insect invader is the white ant. In Africa, their houses are dome-shaped mounds .often eighteen feet high. These insects erect pyramids one thousand times higher than themselves! These ants on their travels so conceal their approach that their presence is not suspected until the damage is done. They usually tunnel into any object which they attack, often reducing it to a mere shell. In this way they have been known to ascend within the leg of a table, devour the contents of a box upon it and descend through a tunnel bored in another leg, all in one night. An officer of the English army while calling upon some ladies in Ceylon was startled by a rumbling sound. The 144 West American Scientsit. ladies started with affright. and the next instant they stood with only the sky above them; the roof had fallen in and lay all about, Jeaving them miraculously unharmed. The ants had made their way up through the beams, hollowing them out until a great part of the frame-work of the house was ready to fall at the slightest shock.— St. Michulas for June. HLECTRIO., NOLES An electric light dynamo in London is driven by a steam engine which is said to make 12,000 revolutions per minute, ind is claimed to be the first motor ever made to work at the actual velocity of the steam as it escapes irom the boiler. Penkert has determined that in the Swan electric lamp the proportion of energy converted solely into light is 28.1 per cent.; in the Siemens, 27.9; in the Edison, 26.5; and in the arc lamp, 38.2: In acannon foundry at Bourges, France, electricity has been successfully applied to méchan cal purposes for more than five years, two large movable cranes, each weighing over twenty tons. having been worked by electric motors without difficulty. Of the common notion that electricity plays an important part in the production of earthquakes, Prof. Joseph Le Conte well says: ‘I never heard or read the slightest scientific proof of this theory. Electricity has taken hold of the popular imagination, so that any inexplicable thing is explained by ‘electricity.’ For example, vital force, nerve force, etc., are inexplicable; so many lay it to electrical force. So, also, with earthquakes—electricity is made the scapegoat.’ The British and Colonial Druggist says that the latest appli- cation of electricity appears to be in veterinary practice. Profes- sor Place, of the Saumur Cavalry School, has devised an electric bridle, by which such a series of shocks can be administered to any vicious horse that the animal is speedily rendered tractable. either for shoeing or for other purposes. A small battery and induction-coil are employed to supply the current, and thus the uses of electricity increase. ABOUT METALS AND MINERALS. Zinc seems, by the four actual weighings that were of any value, to be not acted on by mineral lubricating oil, least by lard oil and most by sperm oil when used as lubricants. Pure gold is worth about $602,793 per ton and pure silver about $37;705 per ton. West American Scientisi. 745 A German chemist, Prof. C. Winkler, has discovered a new element, ‘Germanium,’ in a mineral named Argyrodite, which consists chiefly of sulphur, silver and mercury. Salts of copper—usually regarded as very poisonous—have been administered by a French chemist to dogs and rabbits with- out serious effects, either from large doses or from a long continued regular use of the substances. An Italian physicist, Signor Bombicci, seeks to account for the fact that meteorites are largely composed of iron by supposing the earth’s magnetism to be the influence which chiefly attracts the floating fragments of space. This view is supported by the larze finds of meteoric stones near the accessible pole of our planetary magnet. NECK OLGGA. A young Italian mycologist, the Abbe Ben. Scortechini, an explorer of Australia and further India, died lately at Calcutta. A genus of fungi commemorates his services. Dr. Didrik Ferdinand Didrichsen died on March toth, aged seventy-two years. CORRESPONDENCE. LOWER CALIFORNIA. [The following is in reply to a criticism of the International Co. of Mexico for indicating, on the maps issued by them. as ‘‘rich farming land’’ the eastern part of northern Lower Cali- fornia that forms a portion of the so-called Colorado Desert. ED.] ‘‘T note what you say about the words on a portion of our map, “Rich Farm Land,’’ These were put there under the following circumstances: When I took hold of Kansas in ’68, ’69, ’70 and 71, all the maps then extant of this country had the words “Great American Desert’’ printed across the Western half of Kansas. I had the lands examined by Agassiz and found that under the light surface soil or sand there was a deep black loam. I published his analysis of the soil widely, with the result that the ‘*Great American Desert’’ was effaced from the maps and I had the pleasure of doubling the population of Kansas within two years. I was at this time General Manager of the Company which handled the lands of the Kansas Pac. Road, extending from Kansas City to Denver. I mention all this in connection with these words which you refer to on our map of Lower Calli- fornia. I had the examination of a man, a practical farmer, and one of the best land men I know, for the district you refer to. He reported to me that under the light surface soil or dust there 146 West American: Scientist. existed a soil of greater fertility than he had seen in Southern California. It was both dark and deep, and could eventually be irrigated by turning upon it the water from some of the rivers. Unless this man made a misstatement to me—which, knowing him well I should not think possible—the lands you refer to are rich in themselves and capable of being cultivated at no distant day. Yours truly, W. &. Webb, New York, May 18, 1887. Land Com., Int. Go: fiz= ® MINTS WANTED. For two years I have made a special study of the genus Mentha, and I am now occupied with the interesting forms of M. Canadensis, L. I would like all the forms you have in Southern California—the more specimens you can get the better it will be— as well in bud as in a state of fructification. All the materials will be utilized in a future monograph at which I am now work- ing, if I have specimens enough at my disposition. I need the mints of Western America to compare with the East American and Siberian forms. Fohn Briguet, 5 Rue de 1|’Eveche, Geneva, Switzerland (via England). DIATOMS WANTED. I am desirous of obtaining specimens of Marine Algze from the Pacific Coast bearing diatoms in situ. Also, specimens of diatomaceous material, either recent or fossil. I am willing to pay in money for the above. If you have such material please state price and I will at once remit. —- Yours very truly, George A. Bates. SALEM, Essex Co., Mass. TO. THE SUBSCRIBERS OF THE’ “‘ NATURALISTS COMPANION. Having decided to enter Eastman’s Business College of Pough- keepsie, N. Y., I have been obliged to discontinue the publication of the Naturalists’ Companion, and have transferred the subscrip- tion listto THE WEsT AMERICAN SCIENTIST a very worthy publi- cation and one that will, undoubtedly, give better satisfaction than any other periodical of its kind. Before concluding, I wish to thank my many readers for the support and help they have rendered me while publishing the Companzon, and hope they will treat Mr. Orcutt in a like manner. He, on his part, will do all in his power to give the readers a first-class magazine. Hoping this will be entirely satisfactory, I am, : Yours for Science, Chas, P, Guelf. j West American Scientist. 147 A RENEWAL. Enclosed, please find $1 for my subscription to THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. Allow me to thank you for the pleasure your journal gives me each month. HC. Ford. Pres.-Nat. Hist. Soc.; Santa Barbara. ANOTHER CORRECTION. Please make another correction to the reported proceedings of fire oanta Barbara, Soc. Nat. Hist: The article on‘ Fossil Botany and the Advantages of its Study,’ which I herewith send, was an emenation of the writer hereof, and zot ‘by H.C Ford,’ as given in the SCIENTIST. I intend to write a series of articles on the subject and will send them to you. In relation to the domestication of wild turkeys, some one has blundered. Judge J. D. Caton, author of an interesting work on ‘The Deer of America,’ is a resident of Illinois, and at a meeting of the Santa Barbara Society of Nat. Hist., spoke of his experi- ence in the domestication of these birds du¢ not at or near Santa Barbara’ Santa Barbara wants all the credit she is entitled to, but Illinois would not like to have us steal her thunder nor appropriate so valued a citizen for our own. Lorenzo G. Yates. SANTA BARBARA, April 28, 1887. . EDIT ORFAT.. The Naturalist's Companion. The good will, subscription list, and other belongings to this excellent magazine have been merged into the WEsT AMERICAN SCIENTIST for reasons given elsewhere by the editor of that journal. The contributors are expected and cordially invited to continue with us, while we hope the subscrib- ers will find it to their advantage to do the same Our CIRCULATION. The editor finds to his gratification that the WEsT AMERICAN SCIENTIST now reaches regularly thirty-two of the states and territories of the Union, besides Canada and various foreign countries, and that quite a bundle goes to the most of them. It is truly becoming national in circulation, though the larger portion of our patrons are in the southern counties of Cali- fornia, and the journal owes much of its success to the popular style in which subjects are presented to our readers, making what would otherwise be of only local value of general interest to those in the east as well as to those in the west. ILLUSTRATIONS. Through the kindness of W. E. Webb. Land Commissioner of the International Co. of Mexico, New York, we shall be able to give a series of illustrations of Lower California scenery, trees, and plants, beautifully engraved by the Moss Photo I48 West American Sctentist. Engraving Co. from photographs. These illustrations will accom- pany a series of articles on this country, rendered familiar to'the editor by frequent botanical trips in the past. PICTURESQUE SAN DIEGO is a work of which San Diegans may well feel proud, and we are sure the scenery of San Diego county, presented in so artistic a style, will bear comparison with that of any land, and that the book will meet the expectations of all. THE CoLorapo Desert. The letter given elsewhere from the Hon. W. E. Webb tends to show that the eastern portion of the county, and of northern Lower California, equals, in fertility of | soil, the western. His reference to Kansas, reminds us of the experience of a lady in this county, who, upon first viewing the broad level plains, was so strongly reminded of her former Kansas home as to become homesick, and she said, “I sat down and cried.” The rank vegetation said to grow on the desert when heavy rains fall in that region, proves the natural richness of the soil, but a portion of the land is practically worthless from its mineral character, and the whole is and will be barren and virtually a desert until vast irrigation schemes are carried out. To REaDERS.—We need more money and we should have it if each reader that has subscribed would promptly pay in advance. We are supplying a magazine pronounced the best of its class. We charge less than many ask for journals of less merit. ‘One dollar is cheap for 300 pages such as we propose giving yearly. If not a subscriber you can afford to become one; if already one you can afford to pay in advance. LIFE SUBSCRIBERS.—We herewith make the following offer: For ten ($10.00) dollars paid at any one time we will send this journal to any address during the life of the subscriber, or so long as the journal may be published. We want too life sub- scribers at once. Who will be first? NATURAL HisTory is not an exact science. The ‘old style’ of books and teaching left no questions open, left the student no reason to doubt that all questions are forever settled. The new style of text books and teaching would direct the pupil to new fields of research, discovery and of careful thought. Biology is not a science to be learned as we would learn to “add, multipy or subtract in arithmetic, but to be learned by comparison and by observation. Dr. ALBERT KELLOGG. — Weare pleased to give a brief sketch of the life of this genial botanist from the pen of his colaborer in science, whose initials will be quickly recognized by many of our readers. One of the pleasantest recollections of a visit to San Francisco in last. December is that of the gentleman and scholar, who so truly seemed out of place in the dismal academy building and whose fervent “God bless you’’ at parting will be long remembered. | West American Scientist. I49 NOTES AND NEWS. M. De Valayer claims to be the inventor of the postage stamp. The first daily newspaper appeared in 1702. Two human vertebre found at Saratoga Bay are regarded by Prof. Heilprin as conclusively proving the existence of prehistoric man in Florida at a very remote period. It appears that there are now inhabited cave dwellings in Saxony. They are dug ina sand-stone hill, have different rooms, light and dark, as well as chimneys, windows and doors, and are said to be very dry and habitable. Five attempts have now been made to replace the diseased human eye by the healthy eye of an animal, and in one case the experiment has been successful. An Italian physician recommends the daily administration of about 75 grains of borax as a preventative of cholera, his obser- vations having shown that workers in borax factories in cholera districts always escape the disease. The world’s 94 geographical societies contain 48,600 members. The postage stamps of Russia are the only ones in the world printed in water colors. A TWO FOOT RULE.—Keep your feet dry. A German investigator, Semmola, has succeeded in producing musical tones from a metal plate by electrifying it intermitantly from an induction machine, the wires being attached to opposite sides of the plate and the path of the current interrupted so that sparks strike across. Nitro-glycerine is probably the most popular of the new remedies recently adopted by physicians. The larger animals are beizg rapidly exterminated in Algeria, and the lion of the desert is fast becoming a myth, During the eleven years from 1873 to 1884 bounty was paid on 202 lions, 1214 panthers, 1882 hyenas and 27,000 jackals. An autograph letter of George Washington recently brought $75 at auction, An unusual number of white varieties of animals have been noticed it Germany this winter. A white chamois was shot in the Totengebirge, a white fish-otter was caught near Luxemburg, white partridges were shot near Brunswick, and a white fox was killed in Hessen. It appears that the crocodile, like the faith which formerly esteemed it sacred, is practically extinct in Egypt. The steamers plying the Nile have had more to do with driving it from that river than the guns of sportsmen, according to Prof, A, H. Sayce. The medical school of Japan is 1,100 years old. I50 West American Scienizst. LITERATURE. A Birp’s EvyE View of the City of San Diego has been received from the publishers, the San Diego Union Co. EXCELLENT Maps of the San Vicente Basin, Lower California, showing the topography and quality of the soil south of Todos Santos Bay to San Ramon, have been received from W. E. Webb, land commissioner of the International Co. of Mexico, New York. ANNUAL REporRT of the Trustees of the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, New York, for 1886-7 is at hand. OuR COTEMPORARIES are well represented in the advertising pages of this journal but we owe many of them something more for the very friendly notices they have given of the WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST in recent issues. However, we shall not attempt to enumerate the good features or even mention the . names of them all. We have before mentioned the change in the editorial management of the American Monthly Microsco- pical Journal, Prof. Henry L. Osborn, of Lafayette, Ind., taking charge during the absence of Prof. Hitchcock in Japan. The Microscopical Bulletin, issued by Queen & Co., of Philadelphia, continues bi-monthly and excellent as well. The American Naturalist shows a decided improvement in appearance since the Lippincott Co. have become publishers; Edw. D. Cope and J. S. Kingsley are the leading editors under the new management, with an able staff of specialists for the departments. Aosmos has reached our table but once in the first two issues. We learn that another journal, to be devoted to science and art, is soon to be started in San Francisco under the title of the American Scientist. The editor of the Hoosier Naturalist, Valparaiso, Ind., reports prosperity, and maintains the popular character of that low priced monthly. Sczence con- tinues to reach us weekly with scientific and educational discus- sions, and the latest news of the day that render this journal so nearly indispensable. Popular Science News, of Boston, issued monthly, and the Sczentific American are both practical journals for the artisan and the general public. The Conchologists’ Exchange improves with age. The Youtt’s Companion gained 25,000 in circulation the past year, a success which it well deserves. Twenty tons of paper are consumed weekly in its edition of nearly 400 ooo. St LVicholas reaches our table every month a little before the mammoth Century Magazine fills up our box at the post office. It is hard to tell which is read with the greatest pleasure by those for whom they are respectively prepared. There is yet hope for the American nation when such magazines, full of good and instructive reading, have so large a circulation, An interesting field for scientific research has been opened by Prof. S. P. Langley by the discovery that the heat radiated from the soil is of an almost totally different quality from that which comes from the sun. A Neapolitan physician has described a case of hysteria, pro- longed and aggravated, in which the nails of the fingers and toes were spontaneously shed. This was preceded by tingling, especially in the thumbs and great toes, followed by suppuration in the bed of the nail. The curious affection of the nails is supposed to have been a result of disordered nerve function. EVERAL valuable lots in the City of San Diego for sale-——Address the Editor of this magazine. ALIFORNIA Seeds, Bulbs and Plants. Partial list for stamp. Whole- sale and Retail. C. R. Orcutt, San Diego, Cal. Heed X65 -)15_Ame EA OEE, COMMISSION MERCHANTS, Bain Farm Wagons, Mowers. Horse Rakes, Plows, Cultivators, Wholesale Dealers in Hay, Grain, Mill Feed, Flour, Potatoes, Foot of Fitth Street, opp. Steamship Wharf, San Diego, Cal. Tf you want to buy Books and collect a valuable Library, subscribe for : eee dees” oo CO OMe oe AN. Ee IF YOU WANT TO SELL BOOKS, Subscribe for The Bookmart! Advertise in The Bookmart! It contains monthly the choicest Literature about Books. It is sent all over the World. Sample copy, 15 cents. Yeurrly subscription, $1 50. Published by THE BOOKMART PUBLISHING CO., - . PITTSBURG, PA. “The Ornithologist and Oologist. Established 1875. EDITORIAL STAFF: F, H. CARPENTER, Manager; J. PARKER Norris, Oology. HE matter is original, and direct from active Naturalists throughout the country. Hand- ling its subjects in a plain, matter of fact manner, it offers the freest and best medium for an interchange of notes and views. Believing that Naturalists should be upheld in the pursuit of their study, the Ornithologist and Oologist stands ready at all times to present and defend their cause whenever it is required. Subscription, $1.09 per annum. Sample copy, 10 cents. Address FRANK B. WEBSTER, NATURALISTS SupPPLY DEPOT, £09 WASHINGTON st. - = 2 Boston, Mass. Wemth “Cear! Wolume Oo! FREEMAN'S MONTHLY MAGAZINE. OZIAS S. FREEMAN, Ebp!ToR AND PUBLISHER. Devoted to Literature and Home Interests. Aa ON Avi LO se OMe. Handsomely printed on good paper. Send 1o cents in stamps for sample copy. Address, FREEMAN’S MAGAZINE, Passaic, N. J. “Le Nuaturaliste Canadien,” 32-page, 8-in., illustrated monthly. pw.O0 Ago~ aw. The only publication in the French Language, on Natural History on this continent. It is actually pursuing a revision of Hymenoptera with descriptions of several new species and the history of Hew. iptera of the Province of Quebec. Address: L’Abbe Provancher, Caphrouge, Q., Canada. FRUIT AND FARM LANDS IN LOWER CALIFORNIA. The International < ompany otf Mexico, OLE owners and only authorized Colonization Agents of the Mexican Government tor Lower California. HK1IkxsT NATIONAL Bank BUILDING, San Diego, California. 29 ™ WENESGH ER, GHNHRAL COMMISSION, Forwarding and Shipping, SAN DIEGO, CAL. POR FIN Lat LOD Eas —————ALTD — Men’s Furnishings, mae OT TT Fat tO TAKES THE LEAD, Carrying the Largest and Best Assorted Stock in San Diego County. Almost any known article in wearing apparel worn by the male sex can be found with a certainty, and the prices and styles are acknowledged “‘ correct.”’ KUHN, WURZBURG & CO, Proprs. FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING, SAN DIEGO, CAL, —SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THE— ‘3 We 2 Sa OR oaes HE new Official organ of the AGassiz AssocraTIon, for young folks, or to any other American or Foreign Maga~ines or Periodicax, will be received by the Edit- or of this magazine. —The Swiss Cross, $1,50 a year. Samples, 15 cents, NOW READY! PICTURESQUE SAN DIEGO With Historical and Descriptive Notes. By DOUGLAS GUNN. This work will be illustrated with Photogravure Plates, embracing Mountain, Valley, Forest, River, Lake and Seaside Scenery, and views of the City and Harbor of San Diego. It will be the most complete and elegant book of the kind ever published on the Pacific Coast. The views are the result of nearly fourteen hundred miles of travel in the County of San Diego, and were taken under the personal super- vision of the author by Herve Friend, of the American Photogravure Company, one of the finest photo- graphic artists in the United States. Only 1000 copies will be printed. The book will be superbly bound, and will be not only a very beautiful Art Work for the Home, but a rare Souvenir for the Tourist, as well asa choice gift to Eastern relatives and friends. PRICK, SLO; Postage prepaid when sent abroad. Also: Will be keady Early in July! BY THE SAME AUTHOR, SAN DIEGO ILLUSTRATED, With Description of Climate, Resources, Topography, Productions, Historical and Statistical Notes, 2S eS Sealey Bound in paper covers, and profusely illustrated with fine Wood Engrav- - ings from the photogravure plates in “PICTURESQUE SAN DIEGO.” PRICE, $1.00; Postage prepaid when mailed abroad. a DOUGLASSSUNN, P. O. Box 623. San Diego, California, THE BoTANICAL GAZETTE. An illustrated monthly of 24 pages or more devoted to all de- partments of Botany. Contains original investigations, descriptive articles, editorial comments, and botanical news from all parts of the world. It appeals both to the specialist and to the intelligent lover of plants. Price, $2.00 a year. Dr. J. M. COULTER, CRAWFORDSVILLE, IND. Pror. C. R. BARNES, LAFAYETTE, IND. ProF. J. C. ARTHUR, GENEVA, N. Y. EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS. a. Randall. A. T. Randall. N. Kennedy. RANDALL BROS. & KENNEDY, AES We Sb. = Suse) Seay Staple and Fancy Groceries, Queensware, FIFTH ST., opp. First National Bank, SAIN -Dilac- os Cae ’ 4 ae THE GARDENER’S MONTHLY AND HORTICULTURIST Under its veteran editor, Thos. Mechan, of twenty-eight years standing, is as fresh to-doy as when started in 1859. It is indispensable to all who are interested in H rticulture in the least degre+; whether the Novick, curing for the welfare of a single plant; the AMATEUR with greater rless meanst> indul:’e a growing interest: the SCIENTIST, alre dy abr ast with tbe present stores of Horticultural knowledge. Subscription, $2.00 per year. ‘Two renewals, or one renewal and one new, for $4.00 Five subscribers fur $7.00. Same pro- portion for fractions of a year. Sample copies, 18 cents in stamps. Send fur Circular and Book-List, free. Address: CHAS. 1. MAROT, Publisher, $14 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Coli. gees Comes Dealer. in. Virified Rewer Pipe, Terra Cotta, Chimney Pipe, AND ALL EINDS OF STONEWARE, Sole Agent for San Diego of Elsinore Pottery. Corner of Fifth and K Streets, SAN DIEGO, CAL. Tabte ase ees epee If convenient send your name /rzzted. NMMNEIERTEECE: AAKUGT ESS s 2. kv oeceocavccteccscoeeccsce...0ccesbensewingecesseues hee ovr le ot 3 ee a ee Be we ew il oo 5 Od os Or ov Os 00068 6.0 ss Ow Se eee nce ce sera NOOO UC CEC r demos eseaasenceeddccsccerseesee sec ees cecesearcserous if you desire them TEM ce ene, recs chy arcs dn se. EMM NMo nas ence sasaeicyronssutascessusnaseuuntdagdecesnpsveees Special branch of Science. Please erase with a pen those departments of Science in which you are especially interested. Botany. Mineralogy. Embryology. Histology. Phenogamous Plants. Crystallography. Anatomy. Articulates. Cryptogamous Plants. Litho! ogy. Verte brates. Entom ology. Ferns. Chemistry. Invertebrates. Hymen optera. Mosses. Organic. Anthropology. Lepid optera. Fungi. Inor ganic. Arche ology. Dipte ra. Lichens. Metallurgy. Ethnology. Coleo ptera. Alge. Physics. Ethno graphy. Hemiptera. Desmids. Electricity. Philology. Orthop tera, Diatoms. - Microscopy. Vertebrates, Neuro ptera. Horticulture. Photography. _ Mammals. Arachnida. -Palz ontology. Meteorology. Ornithology. Myriopoda. _ Vertebrates. Astronomy. Odlogy. Crus tacea. Invertebrates. Bibliography. Herpetology. Worms. Vegetable. Zoology. Ichthy ology. Moll usks. Geology. General Biology. Taxidermy. Radiates. | Stratigraphical. Geographical Distribution. Osteolovy. Spon ges. Physical. Morphology. Mvology. Protozoa. eee — - | SUBSCRIPTIONSBLAN K. “SALA ESOS ORS oS SS ey ee oe on ae 188 7. To Mr. S. E. CASSINO, BOSTON, MASS, U. S. A. Please enter me as a_ subscriber to the new edition of the INTERNATIONAL Naturauists’ Direcrory and send me when issued one copy, for which I agree to pay $2.50 bound in cloth, or $2.00 in paper. (~~ If you desire your copy in cloth, indicate it by erasing the words underlined. Signature ; ee eee se ee ey ae eas Pw was ww ewes wo no om ne mm ws Be me we woe twee ee we ee memes eRe aE SORE OEMS OSES ESSE EOS e a ewe esa erase wesc eet e cece eee re ttee ees esacceessecesesesepecanese® Se eae wa meme wo se wm ew ne as Br me wee ws ew eH ewes eRe eS EOE Eee a He eee OHO E HESS e a ew eee ewww eee weet eee tee ee eee eases ewes esses eeeseE ee eeasneee ey Lee he wa dueaeth ed sac re srt? i a iteda ane eres : (Oe me se itera —e peat viel ) ott Bee Sa Veet iireit ‘ ore? b Wit a eee ote $a tay: itGats Be day t eee | te ¢ owt (ere ie | rea Lig! ’ } Aa a gant ; Pay vt, ee Oe a Peewee Oe fy te OCT OCU BOR eee I & *)- BD &4.P* 5 canaee dasawaset . is wae . (ee 0 aa ve evar teharag i on sy " vil Sean t y ’ ris pee ka ” ra cage | eno . 4 parse re Fo: : nf 3 F oy “e ee pore = nly here fa} eit Kyo cee int pete at. bis ae ami ‘ 7: “7 weet - F o yf ; =a b 3 a F ‘ 3 oe ‘ . 7 J 3 Fs ; Ai a : . ,<£ r one . Ae he tea, a, his PRINGLE & HORSFORD, Dr FJ BARNES Dentist painless extraction, Office in Young’s Block, corner 5th and F Streets, San Diego, Cal. THE CONCHOLOGISTS EXCHANGE. A monthly publication devoted to Conchologists and their interests. Scientists generally @ will find it to their interests to subscribe to this paper as ‘Exchange’ columns are pro- vided for the disposal of Shells, Scientific specimes generally, and Books. Subscription price, 25c per annum; to foreign countries, 35c; sample copy on application. Address WM. D. AVERELIL, Editor and Publisher, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa, American Monthly Microscopical Journal. A pericdical for all who use microscopes either professionally or as amateurs. “T am much pleased with the Journal and have received much valuable information,” “T learn many new things from it, and I am sure that it is the case with all who read it,” A@ Specimen copies sent free on application. EDITOR, HENRY L. OSKORN,'Ph. D., Lafayette, Indiana. -QUJARDINS : | FE ESSENCE Is 2 combination of Phosphorus, Albumen, Pro- togon, Lime, Soda and Iron, which act on the Brain, Nerves and Stomach, increasing the appetite, assisting Digestion, Curing Dys- _pepsia, in every form, Headache, Neuralgia, Insomnia, General Debility, Want of Vi- tality, Nervous Prostration and Impo- tence. In Hysteria and Epilepsy its effects are magical. In Consumption its nutritive _ qualities are beyond comparison with other preparations. Its action is shown by the increasing strength and weight of the patient, and the loss of cough and night sweats. It is a brain, nerve, and life giving tonic. Price, $1.50 per bottle. nar-YFor SALE BY ALL DRUGGISTS. BUSINESS MANAGER, RUFUS W. DEEKING, Washington, D. C. Davies Hog Check List —IAND = KEY TO THE NESTS & EGGS NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS, ILLUSTRATED BY THEODORE JASPER, A, M., M.D. $1.00 Single Copies, by mail, We will mail the Hoosier Naturalist, for once year, to every purchaser of Davie’s Esg Check List, until the remainder of this edition ny in our possession) is disposed of. Copy of H, N. will be mailed for seven one- cent stamps. Address all orders to A B, TROUSLET & C0, Publishers, VALPARAISO, IND., U. &. A. HARDY NortH AMERICAN PLANTS, From the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, ——INCLUDING—— EFoRIWs, BULBS, ORCHIDS, SELRUBS, se. CATALOGUE FREE, Charlotte, Vermont, U. S. A. The latest thing in Dentistry, ARTIFICIAL TRETH WITHOUT PLATFS, or Bridge- work and Artificial Tooth Crown. Gas for F.R. WETMORE & CO. AGENTS, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, Have earned the reputation of being the most thoroughly res Firm in all their dealings in REAL ESTATE. We have the Finest FARMING LANDS, in large and small tracts, in all parts of the country, suitable for every kind of F arming, Fruit Growing and Grazing, and at prices to suit every individual. The The Best Choicest Tracts Business Blocks | bes and Lots” Capitalists im and San Diego, Colonies with a : Wood and Water National City, abundance elsewhere. Y y Beautifully improved places for Country Residences, Suburban Homes and City Dwellings, Handsome Grounds, Fine Orchards and Groves of Tropical Fruits. MONEY TO LOAN IN ANY QUANTITY. — As Bankers, we are prepared to make Loans for non-resident and other PDepositors on first mortgages in any sums, We take charge of Property, pay Taxes, Insurance, éte., for non-residents. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED. — Vorume Il. JULY, 1887. WHOLE No. 27. TEE West + American + Scientist, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. C.R. ORCUTT, - EcIToR Price, 10 Cents. | Per year, $1.00. [Entered at the ue ces sate at San Diego as second-class matter.] LACHY & BAILHACHH, COMMISSION MERCHANTS, Bain Farm Wagons, Mowers, Horse Rakes, Plows, Cultivators. Wholesale Dealers in Hay, Grain, Mill Feed, Flour, Potatoes, Foot of Fitth Street, opp. Steamship Wharf, San Diego, Cal. If you want to buy Books and collect a valuable Library, subscribe for hile dese ken aes > © 2a 4 A Ee...” IF YOU WANT TO SELL BOOKS, Subscribe for The Bookmart! Advertise in The Bookmart! It contains monthly the choicest Literature about Books. It is sent all over the World. Sample copy, 15 cents. Yearly subscription, $1 50. Published by THE BOOKMART?T PUBLISHING CO., - - PITTSBURG, PA. A, Randall. A. T. Randall, N. Kennedy. RANDALL BROS. & KENNEDY, DEALERS IT Staple and Fancy Groceries, Queensware, FIFTH ST., opp. First National Bank, SAIT DIEGO, CAL. THE GARDENER’S MONTHLY AND HORTICULTURIST Under its veteran editor, Thos. Meehan, of twenty-eight years standing, is as fresh to-day as when startedin 1859. It is indispensable to all who are interested in Horticulture in the least degree; whether the Novick, caring for the welfare of a single plant; the AMATEUR with greater or less means to indulge a growing interest; the ScrenTIs7T, already abreast with the present stores of Horticultural knowledge. Subscription, $2.00 per year. Two renewsls, or one renewal and one new, for $3.00. Five subscribers for $7.00. Same pro- portion for fractions of s year. Sample copies, 18 cents in stamps. Send for Circular and Book-List, free. Address: CHAS, H. MAROT, Publisher, $14 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Po a of I ct WHY PEOPLE SHOULD LOCATE and INVEST in ESCONDIDO. by on 85 Miles from Los Angeles, 34 Miles from San Diego, CALIFORNIA. ESCONDIDO. First—It possesses a soil than which there is no superior, and everything can be grown without irrigation. Second—There is no more equable climate or well sheltered valley on the face of the globe. Third—lit is one of the healthiest localities in the known world. Fourth—The vailey having just been opened for settlement, offers special advantages to people in moderate circumstances, as well as those seeking investments. Fifth—Vroperty is rapidly increasing in value and will be at least five times as valuable four years hence. Sixth—It is the center of a region of country which is vast in extent and inexhaustible in productive qualities, and which ensures E:condido ag a commercial center. Seventh—On account ef the establishment of a fine college now building, it is destined to become one of the mo-t prominent educational centers in all California, and therefore the dwelling place of people of sound morals and refinement— people who build ani liberally patron- ize churches and schools, AN DIGGO LAND sso TOWN COMPANY This Compaty offers for sale in tracts to siut purchasers 50,000 Acres of the Choicest Fruit Lands on the Continent In 20 and 40 Acre Tracts, Also near National City, on Motor Street Railway line, 5-acre tracts for Homes, with ample supply of pure, cheap soft water. Business and Residence Property in San Diego and National City. These lands lie adjacent to the Bay of San Diego, Convenient to Towns, Markets, Scliools, Churches and Railroad facilities. For profitable and successful culture of Oranges, Lemons, Apples, Grapes, Pears, Peaches, Apricots, Olives, and an endless variety of other fruits, besides Gardening, General Farming, Raisin, Wine and Grape Growing, these lunds offer advantages not found elsewhere, and will be sold to Actual Settlers at Low Prices and on Hasy Terms, The Company also offers for sale Lots and Blocks in National City, Cal., the Pacifle Coast Terminus of the Soulhwestern Railway System This part of the Pacific Southwest, favored with a perfect climate, soil of unsurpassed fertility, unexcelled natural advantages, is destined to rank first in wealth and population, For Maps, further particulars, and full information respecting the advantages offered by this part of Southern California, address W. G. DICKINSON, Supt. San Diego Land and Town Company, National City, California 1 . ) . orstonds ACID PHOSPHATE, Ga Uae A preparation of the phosphates that is readily assimilated by the system. ESPECIALLY RECOMMENDED FOR Dyspepsia, Mental and Physical Exhaus- tion, Indigestion, Headache, Nerv- ousness, Wakefulness, Im- paired Vitality, Ete. Prescribed and endorsed by Physicians of all schools. It combines well with such stimulants as are necessary to take. It makes a delicious drink with water and sugar only. For sale by all druggists. Pamphlet free. Rumford Chemical Works, Providence, R, I, es wevrare of Imitations, NOW READY PICTURESQUE SAN _ TEGO, With flistorical and Descriptive Notes. By DOUGLAS GUNN. This work will be illustrated with Photogravure Plates, embracing Mountain, Valley, Forest, River, Lake and Seaside Scenery, and views of the City and Harbor of San Diego. It will be the most complete and elegant book of the kind ever published on the Pacific Coast. The views are the result of nearly fourteen hundred miles of travel in the County of San Diego, and were taken under the personal super- vision of the author by Herve Friend, of the American Photogravure Company, One of the finest photo- graphic artists in the United States. Only 1000 copies will be’printed. The book will be superbly bound, and will be not only a very beautiful Art Work for the Home, but a rare Souvenir for the Tourist, as well. as a choice gift to Eastern relatives and friends. ERICK, SLO; Postage prepaid when sent abroad. Also: Will be Keady Early in July! BY THE SAME AUTHOR, SAN DIEGO ILLUSTRATED, With Description of Climate, Resources, Topography, Productions, Historical and Statistical Notes, BSS 28 Ge Bound in paper covers, and profusely illustrated with fine Wood Engrav- ings from the photogravure plates in “PICTURESQUE SAN DIEGO.’ PRIC=, $1.00; Postage prepaid when mailed abroad. Address DOUGLAS GUNN P, O Box 62S. San Diego, California. Menon this Magazine, Tir West Aweriean Seren TIst. Wow. ELT: JULY, see. No. 27: AN ANIMAL AARIMIY. Marvelous invaders are the lemmings. They are neat relatives of the short-tailed field mouse, and are about five inches long, with round heads. brown fur, and bead-like eyes. Their home is in the highlands, or fells. of the great central mountain chain of Sweden and Norway, where they build nests of grass for their young. The lemmings are spiteful little creatures when aroused, sitting up on their hind legs and fighting with a will. Not only are they pugnacious, but extremely restless and migratory as well; and every five, ten, or twenty years they seem possessed by a de- sire to see f-reign lands. Thereupon, they one and all leave their settlements and start out in tens of thousands, overrun the cultivated tracts of land in both Norway and Sweden, and ruin the plants and vegetation. They march only at night, pressing on slowly in one straight course, and allow nothing to disturb them. Birds and various animals follow and prey upon them; but, notwithstanding this, they actually increase in numbers, gaining recruits as they advance. Rivers are swum and hills crossed, until, finally, the Atlantic or the Gulf of Bothnia is reached. But, still impelled by the same blind instinct that has led it on- ward, the entire vast concourse plunges into the sea, swimming onward, the little animals piling one upon another as they are beaten back, until at times their bodies have formed veritable sea- walls. Boatmen returning to the beach have found their way ob- structed by a struggling horde that has just reached the sea. The number of lemmings in these bands is beyond all computation. Sometimes the march is kept up for three years before the water is reached. —C. F. Holder tn St. Nicholas for June. GCAMS' EY THERE CK. The French crown jewels are sold. Tiffany & Co., from whom we received a Alone of this magnificent collection lately, pur- chased over one-third of the entireamount. The French govern- ment refused to put the famous ‘‘ Regent” up on the ground that it might fall into American hands. The sale amounted to near $1,330,000. 150 West American Screntist. THE ABORIGINAL YCALIFORNIA MINT. In the vicinity of Santa Barbara, fifty years ago, still existed the original (or aboriginal) Mint of California... The Indians of Tulare County generally visited it once a year in bands of twenty or thirty, male and female, on foot armed with bows and arrows. They brought with them panoche, or thick sugar, made from what is now called honey-dew and from the sweet Carisa cane, and put up into small oblong sacks made of grass and swamp flags; also nut pipes and wild tobacco pounded and mixed with lime, which preparation of native tobacco was called pispbewat and used for chewing. These commodities were exchanged for a species of money from the Indian Mint of the Santa Barbara rancherias, called by them ‘“Jonga.’’ This ‘ponga”’ money consisted of pieces of shell, rounded, with a hole in the middle, made from the hardest part of the small, edible, white mussel of the beaches, which was brought in canoes by the Barbarians from the island of Santa Rosa. The worth of a rial was put on a string which passed twice and a half around the hand, z. e., from the end of the middle finger to the wrist. Eight of these strings passed for the value of a silver dollar.— Coin Collector's Guide. A NEW LOCALITY FOR CHEILANT HES “Sita PLE YT TEE SV. Read before the Santa Barbara Society of Natural History, May 28th, 1887. This Mexican and South American fern which has been some- times erroneously referred to Cheilanthes Fendleri, and which was found by Mr. Spence growing on the high mountains of the east- ern portion of this county, has recently been collected on Santa Cruz Island by Mr. Ford,—probably a remnant of the flora of the time when the Channel Islands formed a portion of the main land, as the fossil elephant of Santa Rosa Island was a remnant of the fauna of the same period. Lorenzo G. Yates. THUNDER, LIGHTNING AND RAIN. Meteorologists have found that there can be no thunder and lightning without rain. When thunder is heard beneath a clear sky, the reports must either come from distant clouds, or be the result of some other cause than a discharge of electricity. Har- vest or heat lightning is produced by a distant storm. Thunder seldom accompanies heat lightning, the sound reaching only about twelve miles, while lightning is often seen, by reflection upon near- er clouds, at a much greater distance. West American Scientist. TAT SUMMER SCHOOL OF SCIENCE. The summer school of Science, under the direction of the Pacific Coast branch of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, arranged for classes daily in the study of the natural sciences, un- der Dr. C. L. Anderson, Prots. Geo. Kleeberger and Josiah Keep, at their annual session for 1887, at Pacific Grove, Monterey, Cali- fornia, July 5th to 15th. The interesting programme prepared, gave the following ad- dresses among other attractions: July 6th. Layers of Vegetable Growth, Prof. C. B. Bradley. Peculiar People Abroad, G. JL. Spinning, D. VD. July 7th. What a Botanist Saw in Europe, Dr. C. C. Parry. July r2th. The Zodiac, Prof. Josiah Keep. Dip and Down Mt. Biante t K. McLean, D. D. July 13th. Manzanitos of California, Dr. C. C. Parry. The Labor Problem agree Stratton,D: D. July 14th. Mind and Brain, Dr. J. H. Wythe. > EDITORIAL. PICTURESQUE SAN DIEGO has unexpectedly been delayed by the weather from appearing as early as looked for. Photogravure plates are practically photographs in printers’ ink, requiring a sunny exposure in printing, the same as pe hones and artotypes, which are produced in a similar way. WE HAVE RECEIVED a pleasant call from W. A. Goodyear, of the State Mining Bureau, San Francisco, and another from F. Stephens. AN INVITATION to the commencement exercises of the Univer- sity of Calitornia is received. VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS are at hand from Prof. E. L. Greene, eee: Cuearry, Ur.;|. G. Cooper, prot... fosiah Weep, Messrs: Pdward Potts, Chas. H. Bollman, D. W: Coquillett, ‘F. Creépin, John B. Alden, T. H. Lewis, W. R. Lighton, Hon. E. M. Good- win, Dr!’ Ged: ‘Vasey, Dr. "HH. ‘R.oRiegers) and others?! Further mention of some of these will be given in a future issue. West Coast SHELLS will consist of about 200 pages, and con- tain near 180 illustrations of our mollusks. We have not learned the price, but orders may be sent to the editor. THIS ISSUE is smaller in size than usual. The August number we trust will ‘make up.’ Henry Willey, New Bedford, Mass., has prepared an ‘ Intro- duction to the study of lichens,’ with a supplement and ten plates. Price, $1.00. Readers, send for a copy. 152 West American Scientist ST. NICHOLAS FOR JULY. S¢. LVicholas has a strongly patriotic flavor, appropriate to the Fourth of July. Even the Brownies become imbued with the pre valent enthusiasm,'and celebrate the day at night. Miss Jessie C Glasier, a new writer, contributes an amusing sketch of negro child-life, called ‘‘ A Gunpowder Plot,’’ which is capitally illus- trated by E. W. Kemble. Miss Lilian Dynevor Rice presents ‘“A Fourth of July Record” in bright and clever verse. ‘‘ Betty’s Sunday,”—charmingly illustrated by R. B. Birch,—carries us back to the War of 1812, and tells of a brave little American girl’s ad- venture with the enemy. The installment of ‘‘ Winning a Com- mission,’’ too,—with its pictures of cadet life at West Point,— falls in line with these timely attractions of the number. HOPE FOR CONSUMPTIVES. Queen and Co., Phila., have issued a pamphlet on a new treat- ment of the aff ctions of the respiratory*organs. and of blood pot- son by rectal injections of gases, after the method of Dr. Bergeon, | by Dr. V. Morel, 21 pages, octavo, price 25 cents. This work, translated from the French by L. E. Holman, will be of special interest to physicians, presenting, as it does, a possible though dangerous means of curing hopeless cases. NOTES AND NEWS. A petrified log ten feet long and fourteen inches thick was found in Meco, Kansas, recently. A dictionary giving scientific and technical terms in all lan- guages is projected by Prof. Vilanova, and is endorsed by the International Geographical Congress. © 3 Hydrophobia is unknown in Lapland, but Pasteur has just shown that the dogs may be inoculated with the disease. The flatness of Denmark is something remarkable, a recent geographical discussion having shown that the loftiest mountain of the country is only 535 feet high. The proportion of colors in eyes in Italy is thus estimated by Prof. Mantegazzi: Black eyes, twenty-two per cent.; chestnut, sixty-four; blue, eleven and gray eyes, three per cent. The diminished cost of production in metal work was illustrated recently by Dr. John Percy, in an address to the British Iron and Steel Institute, by the statement that a gross of steel pens, formerly costing $35, might now be produced for eight cents. The cost of making gold chains has been reduced to an eighth of what it was. | Sy page ew GUION, HAMILTON & HARTLEY, Real Estate and Loan Agents, Cor Es andgeixith Sts. SAN DIEGO, CAL. N. B.—Mr. Guion’s six years’ experience as Deputy Assessor en- ables him to impart reliable information concerning the country. HAMILTON & CO. DAN “DIE Ge SCATL. Dealers in General Merchandise - oo A SUFPLY STORE FOR FARMERS and FAMILIES. ———2-—__—_. We handle the products of this county, and ask for orders for Honey, Beeswax,San Diego kaisins, Lemons Oranges, Etc. “Le Naturaliste Canadien,” 32-page, 8-in., illustrated monthly. $2.00 A Year. The only publication in the French Language, on Natural History on this continent. It is actually pursuing a revision of Hymenoptera with descriptions of several new species and the history of He iptera of the Province of Quebec. Address: L’ Abbe Provancher, Caphrouge, Q., Canada. FRUIT AND FARM LANDS IN LOWER CALIFORNIA. The [International ompany of Mexico, OLE owners and only authorized Colonization Agents of the Mexican Governinent tor Lower California. First NATIONAL BANK BUILDING, San Diego, California. 29 A. WENTSCHER, GHNHRAL COMMISSION Forwarding and Shipping, SAN DIEGO, CAL. FOR FINE@ULOT HR iiaes — oe Men’s Furnishings, "THe EL lOh ae TAKES THE LEAD, Carrying the Largest and Best Assorted Stock in San Diego County. Almost any known article in wearing apparel worn by the male sex can be found with a certainty, and the prices and styles are acknowledged *‘ correct.’ KUHN, WURZBURG & CO., Proprs. FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING, SAN DIEGO, CAL, JL SS J agp LITO Bez, Dealer in. Vitritied Sewer ae Terra Cotta, @eamarmney Pipe, AND ALD EIN DS o> Sonata w 4 sey Sole Agent for San Diego of Elsinore Pottery. Corner of Fifth and K Streets, SAN DIEGO, CAL. - An Illustrated Monthly Journal for the Ranch, Garden and Fireside of Semi-Tropical America. Subscription, $1.50 per Year. H. C. COOKE & CO, PUBLISHERS. OPEICe, Room 1, Bancroft Buiding, SAN DIEGO, CAL. GEO. W. ROBERTS, Real Estate Agent, aN Ai Odean | CDS Terminus of Cal, Southern R, R,, 4 miles South of San Diego, Correspondence solicited THE CONCHOLOGISTS EXCHANGE. i monthly publication devoted to Conchologisty and their interests. Scientists generally will find it to their interests to subscribe to this paper as ‘Exchange’ ‘columns are pro- vided for the disposal of Shelis, Scientific specime:.s generally, and Books. Subscription price, 25c per annum; to foreign countries, 35c; sample copy on application. Address WM. D. AVERELL, Editor and Publisher, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. American Monthly Microscopical Journal. A periodical for all who use microscopes either professionally or as amateurs. “I am much pleased with the Journal and have received much valuable information,” “T learn many new things from it, and I am sure that it is the case with all who read it,” £2 Specimen copies sent free on application. Epiror, BUSINESS MANAGER, HENRY L. OSBORN,'Ph. D., RUFUS W. DEEKING, Lafayette, Indiana. Washington, D. C. ALCAN; ueNiswem | Davie's Loy Check, List PFE ESSENCE rama an Is a combination of Phosphorus, Albumen, Pro- togon, Lime, Soda and Iron, which act on the Brain, Nerves and Stomach, increasing the NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS, appetite, assisting Digestion, Curing Dys- pepsia, in every form, Headache, Neuralgia, ; ILLUSTRATED BY Insomnia, General Debility, Want of Vi- tality, Nervous Prostration and Impo- THEODORE JASPER, A ’ M, M. NR ‘tence. In Hysteria and Epilepsy its effects are magical. In Consumption its nutritive Sing] : . e Copies, by mail 1.00 qualities are beyond comparison with | 8 ei sales 1 ¥ other preparations. Its action is shown by Wekyite licuhaned the lHacntee MAK the increasing strength and weight of the | _,,q/ist and its interests, orders should patient, and the loss of cough and night | be addressed accordingly. This paper sweats. It is a brain, nerve, and life | 2nd bookonly AER an a giving tonic. Price, $1.50 per bottle. Bian Diego, Californiz: na@r-For SALE BY ALL DRUGGISTS. Harpy NortH AMERICAN PLANTS, From the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, ——INCLUDING— Se ee U5. SS dele, ie betes, Sab OS doe, SECn, CATALOGUE FREE. PRINGLE & HOR*=FORD, Charlotte, Vermont, U. S. A. » SEND FOR CATALOGUE OF THE ACME -MPCROSCOPES “Clearance Sale’’ Catalogue and sample copy of the Microscopical Bulletin to JAMES W. QUEEN & C0., Manufacturing Opticians, PHILADHLPHIA F.R. WETMORE & CO. AGENTS, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, Have earned the reputation of being the most thorcughly reliable Firm in all their dealings in REAL ESTATE. We have the Finest FARMING LANDS, in large and small tracts, in all parts of the country, suitable for every kind of Farming, Fruit Growing and Grazing, and at prices to suit every individual. The The Best Choicest Tracts Bissinevectiees ‘Se3 and Lots Capitalists Y in and ; : San Diego, Colonies with ~ Wood and Water | National City, in and abundance elsewhere. | \ Beautifully improved places for Country Residences, Suburban Homes and City Dwellings, Handsome Grounds, Fine Orchards and Groves of Tropical Fruits. MONEY TO LOAN IN ANY QUANTITY. As Bankers, we are prepared to make Loans for non-resident and other Depositors on first mortgages in any sums. We take charge of Fro erty, pay Taxes, Insurance, éte., for non-residents. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED. S) i r h f ~~ he i } 4 4 4 ; a “ 4 on 4 4 af Ly #4 + *~ P| y ree ee ee ee a = ‘VoLuME Ill. AUGUST, 1887. WHOLE No. 28. : TEE West + American + Scientist. * A Popular Review and Recall for America. Official Organ of the San Diego Society of Natural History. C. R. ORCUTT, - EDITOR E CONTENTS: ) \ Beauties of the Sea.......... SEN OARS ee JosiahjKeep............ 153 Some Additions to Our State Flora......... Edward L. Greene...... 155 euasatita Barbara Ferns... 000-6 2222.6 0.620 ee 1. 'G Yates; ... 22." 157 . “Kitchen Middens’ of Costa Rica.......... Mi Lopateckt... 2s... 0.5% 158 Fresh-water Sponges from Mexico.......... Edward Potts.:...6..... 160 REP RCEMAO ICG 5x 5 i0'c7s is vie. Guclpicieiwie sino 0 o'e'ele ey dace Correspondents ........ 162 . Kansas Society of Natural History ......... W. R. Lighton, Sec..... 162 peek We Wise Of Universities... ......5:..-..+: The Reviewer.......... 163 Migration of Dakota Birds...... .......... Sdss CHENGY. 6 ua, k as 163 The Advance of Science.... 2.0.2... 2.0. .00% eee Pendell .¢:. 05 cies 163 waeiwew Caliiornia Poa 8... 5063. fs oe Dr. Geo. Vasey......... 165 Notes on the Common Crow.............. Weise SATIS Se ok aa aie’ vias 166 SAMMUT MRCOMAS ESL eso ar! tag Si 3'0l'o- ov Gs Dis Rin Mia eotlale iar ala! ele b's #ardle's 166 Cg CESS SA SR A lee A ee Poesy GER, «9:5 0) te was 167 mee OU SOUTNETY CalliOInia:. ss... +-... 4. 5.00 Three Months...... .75 | Three Months..... 2.50 One Month........: -25 | One Month.....:...° 1:00 Address, THE UNION, San Diego, Cal A. WENTSCHER, GENERAL COMMISSION FORWARDING AND SHIPPING. San Diego, Cal. : SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN TESTA BUISEHE Dwie46. The most popular Weekly newspaper devoted toscience, mechanics, engineering. discoveries, in- ventions and patents ever published. Every num- ber illustrated with splendid engravings. This publication furnishes a most valuable encyclopedia of information which no person should be without. The popularity of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN is such that its circulation nearly equals that of all other papers of its class combined. Price, $3.200a year. Discount toClubs. Sold by all newsdealers. MUNN & CO., Publishers, No. 361Broadway, N. ¥ Munn & Co. have AT ie WW TS also had Thirty- practice before the Patent Office and have prepared more than One Hundred Thou- sand applications for patents in the United States and foreign countries. Caveats, Trade-Marks, Copy-rights, Assignments, and all other papers for securing to inventors their rights in the United States, Canada, England, _France, Germany and other foreign countries, pre- pared at short notice and on reasonable terms. Information as to obtaining ee cheer- fully given without charge. and-books of information sent free. Patents obtained through Munn & Co. are_noticed in the Scientific American free. The advantage of such notice is well understood by all persons who wish to dis- pose of their patents. Address MUNN & CO., Office SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, 361 Broadway New York. ~ DUWARDINS [FE ESSENCE amb Lad Ree ee Js a combination of Phosphorus, Albumen, Pro- togon, Lime, Soda and Iron, which act on the Brain, Nerves and Stomach, increasing the appetite, assisting Digestion, Curing Dys- pepsia, inevery form, Headache, Neuralgia, Insomnia, General Debility, Want of Vi- tality, Nervous Prostration and Impo- tence. In Hysteria and Epilepsy its effects are magical, In Consumption its nutritive qualities are beyond comparison with other preparations. Its action is shown by the increasing strength and weight of the patient, and the loss of cough and night sweats. It is a brain, nerve, and life giving tonic. Price, $1.50 per bottle. B@-For SALE BY ALL DRUGGISTS. Mention this magazine in writing to advertisers. The West American Screntist. GUION, HAMILTON & HARTLEY, ~ Keal Estate and Loan Agents, Gor E and Srmih Sts. SAN DIEGO, CAL. N. B.—Mr. Guion’s six years’ experience as Deputy Assessor en- ables him to impart reliable information concerning the country. HAMILTON & CO. DAN. DIEGO, CAL. Dealers in General Merchandise os ——— A SUPPLY STORE FOR FARMERSand FAMILIES. a We handle the products of this county, and ask for orders for Honey, Beeswax, San Diego Kaisins Lemons Oranges, Etc. Please mention this maguzine in writing to atlvertisers, The West American Sctentist. Davie’s Ego Check List et ND KEY TO THE NESTS AND EGGS OF North American Birds. S22 COW 2): 2a Oa Revised and Enlarged. Illustrated by Theodore Jasper, ’. M., ML. D. This work has taken a permanent place in the liter- ature relating to the Nesting Habits of our North American Birds. It contains accurate descriptions of the Color of the Eggs and size of the Nests of all the Land and Water Birds known to breed in North America. No Oologist or Collector of Eggs can afford to be without this work, and it takes the place of expensive works which are usually beyond the reach of many c»llectors. What Others Savy of It: I consider it a valuable contribution to ornithologi- cal literature. It should be in the hands of every collector.— Thomas G. Gentry. I must say the illustrations are beautiful, and true to life. You deserve great credit for getting out such a book. Itis the only work of the kind I have ever seen that exactly fille 1 the wants of the Egg Collector. —E.C. Davis. You have made a most useful little book, one that every young collector (and many who are not young) ought to have.—B. W. Beverman. $1.00 PRICE, by Mail. .-. - => = = “ “With this Magazine one year, 1.34 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST, SAN DIEGO, CAL. Address, Wisconsin Natural History Store. FRANK A CARR, PROPRIETOR. All Naturalists’ supplies constantly on hand. Also a large stock of Birds’ Eggs, Skins, American and Foreign Insects, etc. Publishes The Western Waburalist, A popular magazine of Natural History, supported by some of the most eminent writers of the present time. Sample copies sent on application. Address, The Western Naturalist, Madison, Wisconsin. [The Wrst AMERICAN SCIENTIST and the WESTERN NATURALIST, $1°25 a year. | CACTUSES, Turk’s Head or Turban Cactus 50c to $1.00 Fish Hook or Strawberry. Cac- TUS | ee ae ea eee ee 50c to 1.00 Orcutt’s Columnar Cactus, small OMNES <1. sib. bel Lee ae 1.00 Emory’s beautiful Cereus.....50¢ to 5.00 Eugelmann’s ‘Ceretis. ... 22...2 1.00 tO 500 Chollas, Prickly Pear) ete 22Rmee 50c up Other varieties at fom 5oc to $1.00 each. The largest collection ever pur chased as a whole in America was recently sold by us. Prices furnished on larger or smaller collections. We fill orders for thousands of plants yearly—from one to one thousand plants of a kind! THE WEsT AMERICAN SCIENTIST free one year with every $5.00 order. Address, GC. Bi ORG URes San Diego, Cal. CHANCES TO SWAP! Notices inserted in this column for five cents per line for each insertion. Only 2achange notices accepted. American—especially Californian — and European shells, botanical and other specimens from Connecticut and other localities, to exchange for books and nyapers on botany, conchology, micro- scopy, entomology, etc., or for other specimens. G. R. JLUMSDEN, 54 2d St., Norwich, Conn. Books wanted by the editor. Shells, seeds, plants, or subscriptions to this magazine offered in return. Back vol- umes of scientific periodicals or any liter- ature relating to the Pacific Coast desired, especially works on botany or shells. LORA OF SOUTHERN AND LOWER California. A Check-List, of the flowering plants, ferns, lichens and marine algae. By C. R. ORCUTT. Price, 25 cents. SAN DIEG 78 pp. with map, 25 cents. California. Climate, Topography, Produc- 1 tions, etc. By DouaLass GUNN. C. R. Orcutt, San Diego, Mention this magazine to advertisers. The West American Scientist. A Book for the Son-side, the Lake, and the Forest, WEST COAST SHELLS A familiar description of the Marine, Fresh Water, and Land Mollusks found in the United States, west of the Rocky Mountains. Fo gdh i MY SED NY 8 Hl TI. SM a Ys BR Professor of Natural Science, Mills College. EXTRACT FROM THE PREFACE. The kind reception given to my little book on the ‘Common SHELLS OF CALIFORNIA has induced me to prepare this large work, embracing a wider territory, namely, that part of the United States lying west of the Rocky Mountains. The present volume includes descriptions of all the species mentioned in the former one, and also treats of many,of the uncommon and minute shells which are found along the coast, from Alaska on the north, to Mexico on the south. It also describes the land and fresh-water mollusks of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada; thus making it of use as a reference book for the interior, as well as along the sea-coast. The nearly two hundred engravings have all been drawn from nature, expressly for this work, and while materially increasing its cost, they will, I trust, even more increase its value. To adapt the book to younger students, it is written in a SIMPLE STYLE, the NAMES of the species are EXPLAINED and the PRONUNCIATION is INDICATED. A Key for the Analysis of Shells, and a Biographical Index of Natur- alists are new and helpful features: There is also a Glossary for beginners, and a carefully prepared CuHECK List for collectors. It is most desirable that the children and youth of our Western Slope should become interested in and intelligently acquainted with the rich and varied forms of life which are resting or moving all around them, Hence it is hoped that this book will be placed in all school libraries, and, where practicable, be used for supplemental reading by the older elasses. At the sea side, many pick up and admire a few shells without knowing anything of their Rames or nature. By the aid of this book such aimless shell gathering may happily be changed into a source of intelligent and elevating pleasure. For coLuEcTors in other parts of this country and abroad, this book will be found of especial value, both in making up lists of desiderata and studying and arranging their exchanges. The Frontispiece is a hand-painted engraving of the very rare and beautiful Surcula Carpen- terianana, Gabb. The book contains upwards of two hundred and thirty pages, and is carefully printed on fine, heavy paper, and neatly bound in cloth. Price, Postage Paid, $1.75, net. DANC ROP D BREE Rowe Coke PUBLISHERS, 532 MARKET STREET, - - . - SAN FRANCISCO. With a year’s subscription to this magazine, $2.25. Address, 8 lpn = PR ea) hom ge 1 Ot SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. Please meation this magazine. The West American Scientist. F.R. WETMORE & CO. AGENTS, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, - Have earned the reputation of being the most thoroughly reliable Firm in all their dealings in REAL ESTATE. We have the Finest FARMING LANDS, in large and small tracts, in all parts of the country; suitable for every kind © of Farming, Fruit Growing and Grazing, and at prices to suit every individual. The The Best Chotcest Tracts Business Blocks for and Lots Capitalists 3 in and San Diego, Colonies with Wood and Water NCENTS: “a : a Oe i Cie _ National Gty, ap ee and abundance. | M AR K elsewhere. : Beautifully improved places for Country Residences, Suburban Homes and City Dwellings, Handsome Grounds, Fine Orchards and Groves of Tropical Fruits. MOWEY TO LOAN IN ANY QUANTITY. As Bankers, we are prepared to make Loans for non-resident and other Depositors on first mortgages in any sums, We take charge of Property, pay Taxes, Insurance, ete., for non-residents. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED, Mention this magazine. hi Pe " APU coat jira?) ( Re | — Vorume Ill. SEPTEMBER, 1887. | WHOLE No. 29. a aa ee) i W ih om ’ e West + American + Scientist. i. A Popular Review and Record for America. . Official Organ of the San Diego Society | of Natural History. - C.R. ORCUTT, - — EDITOR CONTENTS: _A Visit to Mount Hamilton.............- Moma Keeps sss « siudils'avete 177 Pee ERAT OS No eae hs deck use oss ommates re BG. Yates: cose sens 180 SEG) CIS OF AMAICA 6555 ose oinie soe svelnisind Dre Eee. Gs Vatess icxéid wine's 181 PROSeALE SPOGHDIN, Caewe ws kes. sede «eke R. E. Hachford & Son..... 183 MR SU MAUNORE, BAAN 6. oihin oe Jy 0 2s'wle lanes. © widleinn's PgR AGODS axis A oh BU oh siglels 184 SAM Antelope Chase vide. ceive eee Seas ee WA atte Sree est Ges 185 “Through the Swamps in August...... .. jew GOO. Ko Brig gS oie ss selos oc 187 DM CIIU Se dct wee tpt ae lee vob degin’ Rosa Smith Eigenmann.. .189 a Ts ais il) gins.» eve whe Walaa Kae OM be were eesenainie via 4 4 IgI The Walking Fern in Iowa.............+0+ Wi RY Lishtony. oie cars 193 ene IE On SMURIIE AL PAIStOLN : « ov 0:e « cain pele dip siete: de n na je atitinge tn \o elas 194 Melee: WOME PCTICHS2 vile id's’ ais b vied aie on w Hdl tae President Ballard......... 194 UMMM eee ee kWh, MMU CoC da hnale nh eee aac ws 195 UMREEREVCC TSEC OREI NINES ile Sed 0S 55 sid eLA SARIS AN ora wh dd wlbed wel yc nv vtetalalrd’s 196 RIT rrr Me ek tie a niicc ds « teen W ine St see le eae tebe cs waa 197 RENN ON IO MMi haials Ge daaigie sis olp.s'G oid DUB CWMla bla Shed wikdw ala sewing od 198 NET REAEMI, POOREST gg. ive cd ve kaa: boc s ce ldeue Caeelecw ant’ 199 MEIN aa ARES td ie. o'aldvi.\x » « = gpd Aa AGAR maa eidoda yn ta chinrw phate lan bm done s msed 199 The San Diego Society of Natural History............ceseceeeeeeeees 200 IRIN Sie WORE ehag S41) aia hay aces’ x, sinh deetetnysiini 8:8 6) tid sim epelapdeeyig ica dels 200 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. Price, 10 Cents; $1.00 a Year in the United States and Canada. For Great Britain, Five Shillings. \W. P. COLLINS, Agent, 157 Gt. Portland St., London. [Entered at the Postoffice at San Diego as'second-clasa matter.] The West American Scientist. 223,000 ACES. BUY YOURSELF A HOME AWAY FROM THE SEA AT ESCONDIDO! And the following are a few ofthe many substantial reasons why you should do so: because,, It has special advantages tending to the perpetuation of life. Located 12 miles inland from the sea, at an altitude of 700 feet, the ocean breezes passing over the land losea great portion of their humidity before reaching Escondido, whiie the heat of the edrth over which. they pass has a great influence in imparting a warmth and balminess to the atmosphere. This is noticed by every one visiting the town. It is this balmy air and higher air which is exercising such a powerful influence in building up a city and securing home-seekers for the lots and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 acres tracts embraced in the Escondido town site and ranch. Because, its altitude secures for it almost double the annual rainfall of the immediate coast, while the still greater rainfall in the mountains near by causes an unfailing supply of running water under the soil and close to the surface. Because it has a rich soil, that will produce oranges, lemons, limes, guavas, grapes. and all the fruits of the temperate zone, as well as semi-tropical fruits, which can be grown almost without care in the rich red loam which is spread over valley and plains. Because its soil will produce all of the ordinary fruits and vines without a particle of irrigation, and the evidence is here to substantiate this statement. : Because its location is superb in all that constitutes grandeur of natural scenery. The situation is in every respect desirable and delightful for residence purposes, and there is no spot in the world better adapted for the relief of persons suffering from pulmonary diseases. and goneral debilit Because it will pa one of the great educational centers of Southern California A fine ~ college is now being built, and is to be pushed rapidly to completion. It will be under the auspices of the University of California, which insures its permanence and influence. Because Escondido homes will have fruits and flowers every month in the year, this. being assured by the most even temperature which the world affords, consequently they will possess all of the attractions which make life desirable. No saloons. All deeds con- tain a clause prohibiting the sale of spirituous liquors. Because it is now, and must always remain, the very stronghold of health, exhilarating air and comfort in summer, and a pleasant retreat from cold and disagreeable winters. Because, by the first day of January, 1888, Escondido will be one of the Pacific Coast. terminal points of the great Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad system. Because Escondido, for climate, soil, water, scenery, location, and a commanding com-. mercial situation in the interior, stands wholly unrivalled on thegreat Pacific Coast. Further information can be had at the offices of the Escondido Land and Town Co., in Escondido and San Diego. W. W. THOMAS, SuprT. J. R. THOMAS, SEc. Bank Block, Escondido. St. James Block, San Diego. DAN DEEGO LAND wx TOWN COMPANY This Company offers for sale in tracts to siut purchasers 40,000 Acres of the Cheicest Frait Lands on the Continent In 20 and 40 Acre Tracts, Also near National City, on Motor Street Railway line, 5-acre tracts for Homes, with ample supply of pure, cheap soft water, Business and Residence Property in San Diego and National City.. These lands lie adjacent to the Bay of San Diego, Convenient to Towns, Markets, Schools, Churches and Railroad facilities. For profitable and successful culture of Oranges, Lemons, Apples, Grapes, Pears, Peaches, Apricots, Olives, and an endless variety of other fruits, besides Gardening, General Farming, Raisin, Wine and Grape Growing, these lunds offer advantages not found elsewhere, and will be sold to Actual Settlers at Low Prices and on Hasy Terms. The Company also offers for sale Lots and Blocks in National City, Cal., the Pacific Coast Terminus of the Southwestern Railway System This part of the Pacific Southwest, favored with a perfect climate, soil of unsurpassed fertility, unexcelled natural advantages, is destined to rank first in wealth and population.: For Maps, further particulars, and full information respecting the advantages offered by this part of Southern California, address WwW. G. DICKINSON, Supt. San Diego Land and Town Company, National City, California.. Please Mention this magazine. The West American Scientist. orstonds ACID PHOSPHATE, sae Sune pgs — 5 A preparation of the phosphates that is readily assimilated by the system. ESPECIALLY RECOMMENDED FOR Dyspepsia, Mental and Physical Exhaus- tion, Indigestion, Headache, Nerv- ousness, Wakefulness, Im- paired Vitality, Etc. Prescribed and endorsed by Physicians of all schools. It combines well with such stimulants as are necessary to take. It makes a delicious drink with water and sugar only. For sale by all druggists. Pamphlet free. Rumford Chemical Works, Providence, R. I, Beware of Irmmeitations. The West American Sctentist. rT 7 : : ” Le Naturaliste Canadien, 32-page, 8-in., illustrated monthly. $2.00 A Year. The only publication in the French Language, on Natural History on this continent. It is actually pursuing a revision of Hymenoptera with descriptions of several new species and the history of Hemiptera of the Province of Quebec. Address: L’Abbe Provancher, Caphrouge, Q., Canada. FRUIT AND FARM LANDS IN LOWER CALIFORNIA. The International «< ompany of Mexico, OLE owners and only authorized Colonizaion Agents of the Mexican Government for Lower California. First NATIONAL BAnkK BUILDING, San Diego, California. 29 ACH Y “& tA Ti Ag a COMMISSION MERCHANTS, Bain Farm Wagons, Mowers, Horse Rakes, Plows, Cultivators. Wholesale Dealers in Hay, Grain, Mill Feed, Flour, Potatoes, a3 2: of Fitth Street, opp. Steamship Wharf, San Diego, Cal. FOR SPINE (CLOT Pia ——_AIWN D— Men's Fairnishings; — THRE LION TAKES THE LEAD. Carrying the Largest and Best Assorted Stock in San Diego County. Almost any known article in wearing apparel worn by the male sex can be found with a certainty, and the prices and styles are acknowledged “‘ correct.”’ KUHN, WURZBURG & CO., Proprs. FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING, SAN DIEGO, CAL, 7. eaves Dealer in Vitrified Sewer Pipe, Terra Cotta, Chimney Pipe, AND ALI KINDS OF STONEWARE, Sole Agent for San Diego of Elsinore Pottery. Corner of Fifth and K Streets, SAN DIEGO, CAL. «THE SEMI-TROPIGAL PLANTERx > An Illustrated Monthly Journal for the Ranch, Garden and Fireside of Semi-Tropical America. Subscriptiom, $1.50 per Year H. C. COOKE & CO., PUBLISHERS. OEBICE: Room 1, Bancroft Buiding, SAN DIEGO, CAL. A, Randall. A. T. Randall. N. Kennedy. RANDALL BROS. & KENNEDY, eam A SEBS aS S| seg Staple and Fancy Groceries, Queensware, FIFTH ST., opp. First National Bank, SAIT DIEGO, CAL. The West American Sctentzist. qUION, HAMILTON & HARTLEY, Keal Estate and Loan Agents, for & and Sreth Sts SAN DIEGO, CAL. N. B.—Mr. Guion’s six years’ experience as Deputy Assessor en- abies him to impart reliable information concerning the country. HAMILTON & CO. SAN DIEGO, CAL. Dealers in General Merchandise bo ——_—_— A SUPPLY STORH FOR FARMERS and FAMILIES, ee We handle the products of this county, and ask for orders for Honey, Beeswax, San Diego Raisins,Lemons, Oranges, Etc. Please mention this macuzine in writing to advertisers. The West American Scientist. Consolidated + National + Bank — OF —— > A IN DT Yeo: CAPITAL PAID IN, - - - $100,000 SURPLUS FUND, ~ - - - 50,000 BRYANT HOWARD, - - - President. JAMES M. PIERCE, - - Vice-President. JOHN GINTY, - ~ - - Cashier. DIRECTORS: HIRAM MABURY, GEO: AP COWLES, E. W. COWLES, JAMES McCOY, QO. S. WETHERBY, JAMES M. PJERCE. BRYANT HOWARD. GENERAL BANKING BUSINESS TRANSACTED. EXCHANGE ON ALL THE PRINCIPAL CITIES OF EUROPE AND AMERICA BOUGHT AND DRAWN. The policy of this bank is conservative,—its business being confined strictly to legitimate banking. Its officers and employees are prohibited from dealing i in Stocks or engaging in speculative schemes. Its stockholders founded the first two banks here, and have long been identified with all the leading industries of our City and County, and its Managers have had experience of many years in banking and in placing loans in Southern California for other parties. They are thor- oughly acquainted with the resources and wants of the County, and aim to extend every aid in its development consistent with prudent banking. THE SAVENGS BANS OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY. (In Consolidated National Bank Building.) CAPITAL, - ~ ~ - $100,000 —OFFICERS— JAMES M. PIERCE, - - - = President. GEO, A. COWLES, - - - ~ Vice-President. JOHN GINTY, - = - Secretary and Treasurer. —DIRECTORS— O. S. WITHERBY, H. MABURY, E. W. MORSE, GEO. H. COWLES, JAMES M. PIERCE, JAMES McCOY, BRYANT HOWARD. Interest allowed on Deposits. Money loaned on Real Estate. Please mention this Magazine. Tue West American Scientist. Vo. III. SEPTEMBER, 1887. INOi,26. aviviert LO) MOUNF BAMILT ON. We left San Jose by the Mt. Hamilton stage shortly after seven o'clock in the morning, and proceeded across the rich, level fields towards the hills which border the valley on the north-east. The fertility of the soil, as evidenced by the occasional, heavily fruited orchards, the broad expanse of the valley lands, waiting to be cut up into small farms, and the delightful climate of this re- gion,—all of these seemed to prophecy that this valley will soon attract a great number of new settlers, and be filled with prosper- ous villages and happy homes. Arriving at the foot-hills, we began to ascend through thrifty vineyards, whose bright green foliage contrasted finely with the yellow fields which surrounded them. As we passed up the easy grade we met numerous teams heavily laden with bales of new hay, which was being sent down from the fields farther up the hills. | Winding upward, we reached the Grand View House, a rightly named hostelry, standing at an angle of the road fifteen hundred feet above the valley, and commanding a magnificent view of the rich landscape, situated near enough to show all the details of field, road, orchard and stream. Here our horses were changed, and as we set out again we left the region of the valley, and struck out boldly into the hills. As we rode on, mile after mile, the constantly changing scene was one of continual interest, but fitted to calm the mind rather then to excite the feelings. The mountain air was pure and salu- brious; the sky was becoming clear, for we were getting above the region of fogs; houses were few, and the not very fertile land was chiefly devoted to pasturage. The great oaks of the hills were becoming more numerous, and occasionally the presence of the needle pine with its long blue leaves and great cones showed that we were in higher altitudes, On the road we passed two large wagons, each loaded with a huge section of the great iron pier on which the largest telescope in the world is to rest: Leaving these teams to slowly creep up the mountain, where their load will remain till the end of time, we hurried along the gentle grade, continually passing places of in- terest, till we drove up to the stable at Smith Creek, twenty miles 78 The West American Scientist. from San Jose, and changed horses for the third or mountain stagé of the journey. Right above us, on the top of a sharp peak, was perched the great Lick Observatory. It seemed in the clear mountain air to be but a little way off, and the actual distance is only two miles, but fully seven miles of road have to be traversed before you reach the summit. The road is so laid out, that there is not one steep place in the whole twenty-seven miles, though to accomplish this result, the turns and returns are so numerous, that in a fog one could never guess toward what point of the compass he was mak- ing headway. But as we worked up the mountain, the great dome kept grow- ing in size and clearness, and as we looked back, the tops of the oak-dotted hills kept sinking lower and lower, till, ere we were hardly aware, we were standing on the very summit, and had en- tered our names in the visitors’ album which rests in the hall of the observatory. The time was a little past noon, and as we had wisely eaten our lunch on the way, we had two free hours before it was time to start down the mountain. The top of the peak on which the main building is situated, had to be levelled down some thirty feet, to afford sufficient room for the foundations. The building is a long, one-story structure, very substantially built, and finished in a style of plain elegance. A marble-floored hall runs the whole length of the building upon one side, and from this open various rooms, as the clock-room, the library, the instrument-room, and the office. In the center of the building is a small but beautiful rotunda, lighted from above, and in the walls are niches for statuary. At the western end of the observatory is a twenty- -five foot tower and dome, in which is mounted a twelve inch equatorial telescope. This part ‘of the establishment has been completed for some time, and would be considered an excellent equipment, were it not dwarfed by the mighty work which is now in progress at the other end of the long hall. This is, of course, nothing less than the huge tower and dome in which is to be placed the great telescope, with its thirty-six inch lenses, and its fifty-seven feet focal length. The massive walls of the circular tower are built of bricks which were moulded and burned near the summit of the mountain. The diameter of this tower is seventy-five feet, and in its center is the massive foundation for the pier on which the great telescope is to rest. Within this foundation, sealed up for all time, rest the mor- tal remains of the donor, James Lick. Forty-four hundred feet above the valley, beneath the most sky-piercing instrument ever constructed, could he wish for a more renowned resting place, or a more enduring monument? Around the top of the wall of the tower runs a circular railway, and upon the massive trucks rests the enormous steel dome. It A Vistt to Mount Hamilton. 179 is now nearly completed, but the staging so obscures the view, that one cannot fully grasp its wonderful proportions. When com- pleted, however, a sight of this immense room and the stupendous instrument for which it was built, will amply repay any one for a very long journey to this distant mountain top. To avoid the necessity for an observer’s chair between thirty and forty feet in height, the whole floor of the observatory is made movable, so that it can be raised or lowered at the observer’s will. To this end it is counterprised by four huge weights of five thou- sand pounds each, and by a system of hydraulic elevators it can be moved up or down by the simple turn of a wheel. By a simi- lar arrangement, the dome can be revolved and the great shutters opened or closed. Among- the most interesting departments of the observatory work, is that pertaining to the time system. The clock-room con- tains several of the best clocks which can be made, only one of which, however, is set to beat standard time. But this one has a most important duty to perform, for its ticks are conveyed down the telegraph wire to San Jose, and from that city they spread on through the whole system of wires as far as Ogden. Just before noon, operators all over the Pacific Slope pause for a few minutes from their accustomed work. and listen to the measured click of their instruments as they mark the swinging of that one pendulum, far away on Mt. Hamilton, and as it comes to the last second of the forenoon, a given signal is sent, which is heard at the same in- stant from the Rockies to the Pacific. Among the many instruments to be seen in the various parts of the building, is one for recording the time, direction, and intensity of earthquake waves ; four earthquakes have already been observ- ed. , Various devices aré also seen for recording meteorological phenomena, such as the height of the barometer, the velocity of the wind, and the fall of rains. Outside of the main building are the transit-room, the photographic’s-room, and other adjuncts of the observatory. After the apparatus had been explained by the obliging astron- omer in charge, Prof. Keeler, and we had looked at Venus and Arcturus through the twelve-inch glass, we started down the mountain. At Smith Creek we passeda camp of students belong- ing to the University of California, who were engaged in finding the exact elevation of the great observatory above the level of the sea. The whole ride down the mountain is full of interest, and one feels on his return to the valley the small sum of three dollars was never spent in a more satisfactory way than in paying for the round trip up and down Mt. Hamilton. The mountain drive and the beautiful and inspiring scenery, amply repay one for the jour- ney, while an inspection of the Lick Observatory at the summit gives the day a charm which will never be forgotten. If the rare 180 The West American Scienttst. pleasure which the trip affords were well known, the opportunity | to enjoy it would not be missed for any slight reason by our set- “ tled residents, or by the transient visitor to our coast. | Josiah Keep. August 10, 1887. 7 FOSSILEBOTANY. BY DR. LORENZO G. YATES. Fossil Botany is a subject of great importance to all who are in- terested in the ancient history of our planet. To the geologist who, from the study of the fossil vegetation, its condition, situation and surroundings is enabled to describe the orographic geography of a region, illustrating to him the character of the soil, and the waters flowing in and through it furnishes the principal and only reliable aid in the determination of the geological age of the rocks in which the remains are found imbedded; together with many other important facts necessary to the proper reading of the ‘‘ testimony of the rocks.’ To the botanist and horticulturist, it is, or should be of special interest, showing as it does, the progress of the evolution and succession of plant life during the earlier ages of the world, and enabling him to read a history which nature has compiled, and written for the instruction of its students. While human chronicles are not only insignificant as compared with the time covered by geological evidences, they are also im- perfect and erroneous; nature’s chronicles may be fragmentary, but they have the merit of accuracy. ' Any person who has looked through the large end of a telescope will have a vivid recollection of the appearance of objects seen with the instrument so reversed; things which are comparatively near to the observer, will appear to be distant, but will have a peculiarly distinct outline, and the same clearness is apparent in distant objects seen through the same medium. So it is with geology and its allied sciences; the student may, by reversing the geological or historical telescope see and read clearly, the history of plant life down the long vista of past ages. The fossil remains of plants and animals which lived in unknown numbers of ages past, defined and well preserved as those ofthe least remote period. He may first feast his imagination upon the beauty and luxuri- ance of the Pliocene forests, as the least remote, and most nearly resembling those of the present age. Having studied out the fragments of wood and ieaves of trees, we place them in their several positions in the scale of plant life, finding among them undoubted remnants of magnificent palms, those noble children of the earth andsun. The eucalyptus, which we were supposed to have first introduced into California from the ’ Fossil Botany. t8t southern hemisphere; the cinnamon, fig, magnolia, diospyros and many other trees and plants now restricted to tropical and semi- tropical countries, intermingled with extinct species of sycamore, oak, walnut, elm, ash, pine and other genera now represented by other and corresponding forms. We are now tempted to inquire, what changes have taken place in the animal life of the region? and if we carefully carry out the line of study, to which the ques- tion points, we will be enabled to see the former denizens of the forests and streams, in all their wondrous forms and huge dimen- sions. showing, like the vegetation, a curious admixture of genera and forms of animals now found living in different climates and widely separated countries. We may view, with perfect safety, the terrific combats between the mammoth and mailed rhinoceros; the stealthy advance of the imperial tiger (Felis imperialis) equal in size, and doubtless no less ferocious than its royal namesake of Bengal; the llama, standing eighteen feet high, whose diminutive representative, about the size of a deer, is now doing service as a beast of burden in the Andes of South America; the three-toed horse, well adapted to feed around the marshes enfringing the islands and peninsulas compos- ing a great portion of the lands of the period, in what is now Cen- tral California; the deer, the hog, and non-descripts which were neither hog, horse, ox nor deer, but combined characteristics of several now widely separated families. The writer has found nearly all the above named animals-in the later tertiary deposits of Central and Northern California, discov- ering new and previously unknown species of mastodon, llama, tiger, wolf, &c., and has portions of their fossil remains in his col- lection. These and many other forms of animals roamed the plains and table lands, browsed upon and fed under the shade of trees, whose silicified fragments are now found scattered over the plains, or im- bedded in drifts and gravel deposits, or in the ‘Blue Gravel” of the ‘‘Dead Rivers’’ of the Pacific Coast. SANTA BARBARA, CAL., August 10, 1887. TO BE CONTINUED. THE FERNS OR FAMATCA. BY DR. LORENZO G. YATES. Jamaica, the Xaymaca or land of wood and water, of the abo- rigines, is the largest island of the British West Indies, lying be- tween the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between 17° 40’ and 18° 50’ north latitude; its area is variously estimated from 3,250 square miles according to the Government Survey, up to 6,400 square miles, the first figures being, probably, the most re- liable. 182 The West American Scientist. Its surface is mountainous, and presents picturesque and varied scenery, with corresponding climate variations. The Blue Mountains, in the central portion of the island, attain to an elevation of 7,000 feet, flanked on all sides by hills and moun- tain ridges, which, rising from the level of the sea, form supports or buttresses to the main range, divides the surface into a large number of water sheds. More than one hundred rivers and large streams, with their in- numerable tribuiaries, carry off the water of the abundant rains, through deep and narrow gorges, fertile valleys, and level plains to the sea. This favorable conformation of surface, with the great humidity of the atmosphere, and the general equability of the climate, com- bine to make the island the richest and most prolific fern region in the world, with other plant growth in corresponding profusion. In this small area, about the size of the State of Connecticut, nearly five hundred species of ferns, (about one sixth of all the known species of the world) have been discovered. In the whole continent of North America, from the Arctic Re- gions to the southern boundary of the United States, comprising an area of a little over eight millions of square miles, less than one- half as many species of ferns are found; and of these, only forty are found in common in the two regions In 1838, Heward collected seventy-seven species of ferns in Jamaica. Grisebach, in his ‘‘Flora of the British West Indies,” enumer- ates three hundred and ten species, including Lycopodiums, Sela- ginellas and other fern allies. Up to April, 188-, Mr, G. S. Jenman, formerly superintendent of the Botanic Gardens of Jamaica, who is making a special study of the ferns of the West Indies, had identified and described four hundred and sixty-five species and sixty-three varieties of true ferns inhabiting Jamaica, and newspecies are still being dis covered What a magnificent country for the lovers of the most beautiful and fascinating division of the Vegetable Kingdom! Is it any wonder that, as Lady Brassey quotes in her book entitled ‘‘The Trades, The Tropics, and The Roaring Forties:’—There is a saying among military men to the effect that:—‘‘The first year you are quartered in Jamaica you admire the scenery; the second year you collect ferns; the third year you go mad.” But it is probably a very mild species of madness, as we seldem hear of any ill effects resulting from it. R. B. Trouslet’s editorial was received too late for this issue. Much other valuable matter is crowded out. W. R. Lighton is to conduct a department in the magazine, and will also have some- thing to say later. Roseate Spoonbill. 183 ROSEATE SPOONB/LL. _ This beautiful bird is very rare in this section, Jefferson County, Texas. It is only found in the wildest and most uninhabited marshes. A few, however, are to be found in such places in most of Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. We saw the Spoonbill for the first time on April 26th, 1885. We were then in Southwestern Louisiana. We had ascended about 40 miles, a small stream of water called ‘‘Black Bayou.’’ This stream flows through a low, flat county, and along the more than fifty miles of its meandering there is not a house, save a few “shanties” near its mouth. The day of the 23d, we had spent in sailing up this stream. Acre after acre of this low, flat land spread out, as far as the eye could reach, on both sides of the ‘‘Bayou,”’ destitute of a single human inhabitant or human domicile. In such a lonely place we camped on that night. The next morning, as we awoke, a most beautiful sight presented itself. The sun was just rising, and as it appeared over the tall green cane, which was nodding silently to a gentle breeze, it was beautiful beyond de- scription. As we were standing admiring these beauties of nature, our eyes fell upon an island in this sea of cane, which was covered with, what seemed to be, large red and white flowers, of many varied hues. On closer examination, these flowers proved them- selves to be birds which as yet had not left their roost. As these were about a half mile distant, across a muddy marsn covered with an impenetrable growth of cane, we could not go over land to them. Judging from our knowledge of the county, that the birds were in trees. near the bank of some small ‘‘bayou,”’ tributary to the main “Bayou,” we set out in search of such a stream. After sev- , eral hours work we reached the “roost.’? It was about g o’clock A. M., and as yet the birds were resting quietly. When we were within a few hundred yards of them, they flew from the trees and circled around until they reached a great height, and then flew away. Their color, bill and squeaking of the wings, told us that they must be the roseate spoonbill. These birds did not return to their “roost” during the entire day. Making sure that they would return later in the evening, and being determined to secure speci- mens, we stationed ourselves near the “roost,” about an hour be- fore sun-down, and waited patiently for them to return. It was late in the night before we returned to our boat, tully convinced that the “roost” had been abandoned. What was our surprise the next morning on rising, to find that the spoonbills had returned and were occupying their old “‘roost” again. We again tried to secure specimens of these birds, but met with the same success as had greeted us the day before. We remained several days in that locality, and made repeated efforts to secure specimens, but were compelled to return home without a single spoonbill. 184 The West American Scientist. We visited this locality again the latter part of July, of the same year, (’85), and found a spoonbill’s nest containing three half-grown birds. As the adult birds were in poor plumage, we secured only a few specimens, but determined that the next year we would be in time for both birds and eggs. In the early spring of ’86, we visited this locality several times, and watched the spoonbill very closely. In May we noticed them carrying sticks, and found where a small “‘rookery” was being built. On the second day of June, we visited it and were success- ful in taking several sets of eggs. The “rockery” was in a small clump of Cypress trees, The nests varied in height from the ground, from 5 to 15 feet, and resembled very much a heron’s nest, being more “‘bulky” however. and made of green, instead of dead sticks. The eggs were ashy white, spotted with reddish brown, varying much in shape and size. Average size 2.50x1.80. The usual number of eggs found in a nest was 3 and 4. We took from one nest, however, 7 eggs, all perfectly fresh. From several nests we took as many as 5 and 6 eggs. In this same ‘‘rookery”’ were nesting, the American egrett, La. heron and snake bird. We secured several specimens of the spoonbill this time, and they were in beautiful plumage. As we examine these specimens, we cannot help but remember how they looked while alive, and are forced to the conclusion that nowhere else do these birds look so beautiful as in their native haunts. There perched in a tree, each movement shows some new color or tint to admire, or flying over head the squeaking of its wings, like some old door on its rusty hinges, causes attention to its swift and graceful flight. R. FE. Hachford & Son. KED TAILED HAWK. I found a nest of this species on April oth, ’87. It wasina medium sized oak, and not more than thirty-five feet from the ground. When I first saw the nest, the old hawk was setting. I threw several stones into the tree before I could make her leave. The nest was not easy to reach, owing to grape vines matted about the bodv of the tree; but, by using my hatchet freely, I managed to reach the nest, which contained three eggs: white, with bluish tinge, spotted and blotched with brown umber, a few small spots of black, and large splashes of very light brown. On one, the spots formed a ring around one end, and numerous spots over the entire surface ; on another, the spots are large and scat- tered all over the surface, but more thickly at one end; on the third, the spots formed a ring around the middle of the egg, with spots and blurs all over the surface. They measure as follows:— 2'40X1.91%,'2.48X1,93% and |2.51X@O2 In: The nest was placed in a fork, and was composed of sticks, twigs, small branches, corn husks, grass and moss, lined with Red Tailed Hawk. 185 grass, fine strips of bark, and a few feathers which were probably shed by the bird. While I was putting the eggs in my collecting box, the parent birds rose high in the air, drew their wings back, and darted at me several times, once just missing my hat. A farmer had been waiting impatiently for more than a week for the old bird to hatch the eggs, that he might kill the young to- gether with the old ones, and take them away to the ‘‘Squire’’ and get the 50 cents bounty, offered for each hawk and owl scalp. poor jaw.--k. BF.) Just imagine how ‘‘sad and woe begone’’ he looked, when next he climbed to the top of the high ledge of rocks where he could see into the nest, to find that his intended victims had hatched (?) and gone. J. W. Jacobs. AN ANTE LOPE CHASE. About the roth of June we left La Junta, Col., at 7 o’clock in the morning and started northward. Crossing the Arkansas River which runs at the base of this beautiful and thriving city, we soon found ourselves on the elevated prairie lands. As the object of our drive was to look at some government lands, it will not be wholly inconsistent for me to say a few words about the surrounding country. Lying north of La Junta, and just beyond the Arkansas River, is some of the most beautiful land of Colorado. now open by the government for settlement. This vast region, until recently, has been used by ranchmen for pasture, throughout the entire year. The prairie is level, with occassional undulations, and covered with a thick growth of buffalo grass. It was here, upon this grassy lawn, stretching away beyond the limit of vision, that our chase occurred. My companion, Mr. Seeley, of La Junta, Mr, Fetterman of Ohio, Mr. Hughes of Kansas, and myself, were driving leisurely along when suddenly our eyes were directed to an object some two hun- dred yards distant. We advanced various opinions as to what it was, and to settle the dispute, we pulled off from the trail, and with increased speed, drove in the direction of the animal. As it leaped off, we saw it was an antelope, apparently of half growth. Mr. Seeley being anxious for a chase, as well as the fun he could ~ have with us ‘tenderfeet’, seized the whip and urged the ponies at full speed, after our frightened game. It would have been a very difficult matter for him to have determined which was the most _frightened, the innocent antelope or his three companions. But I think on that score we stood about ‘8 to 7’ in favor of the antelope. To all our urgent appeals to be excused from further pursuit, he only turned a deaf ear, as he urged on the ponies. Expecting 186 The West American Scientist. at any moment to be dashed to pieces, or strewn over the prairies, of the west, it is useless to say our minds immediately reverted to home and friends. Regardless of danger he pushed on and soon ran up by the little fellow, when to our surprise, we found him to be not more than six weeks old. In making a sudden turn for an opposite direction, the little fel- low gave way and fell by the side of our carriage. A more piteous and mercy imploring appeal, never came from the lips of man, than was expressed in the bleating of that innocent little creature. As quickly as our team could be checked, three of us sprang from the carriage to bag our game, but were surprised to find it escap- ing, at no small pace in an opposite direction. Thus, freed from our danger, Mr Seeley was left to continue the chase alone, while we were delighted to remain as observers. No sooner would Mr. Seeley overtake the little fellow, than it would turn in an opposite direction, and while he was making a gradual turn to prevent upsetting it would get far in advance. This manner of chasing by abrupt turns, was kept up for several miles; and as his strength gradually failed, he was thrown by the artfulness of the driver; into a gradual circle, and being pressed by his pursuer from the outside, his circle became smaller and smaller as his strength departed. During these miles of chase we could only look on with anxious delight; but at last enclosed in the circle, which had been rounded up to small dimensions, our chase began. His strength almost exhausted. and Mr. Hughes being the swiftest on foot, succeeded in capturing the prize. Notwithstanding his almost breathless condition, his bleats for mercy were the most piteous. We had captured a beautiful specimen of the antelope about six weeks old, and considered ourselves amply paid for the chase. Fortunately for it, as well as our ponies, we had taken several | ottles of water with us in anticipation of our own thirst, which we used to drench it, thus quenching his thirst and moistening his parched lips. Our ponies were treated likewise, and after a few minutes rest, were ready to continue our drive. Our prize was taken into the carriage and carefully nursed by Mr. Hughes through the entire journey. We returned to La Junta about 12 o'clock, and after looking after the welfare of our captive, enjoyed a hearty dinner. Mr. Seeley being the most entitled to the fruits of our chase, was given the prize. A nurse’s bottle was provided, which the little fellow soon learned to use with a relish, and by night it had become quite gentle. We had no means of determining the distance ran, but felt perfectly safe in saying that nothing short ot ten miles would cover it. The greatest surprise was that the little fellow ran as long as he did. We left La Junta that night greatly pleased with the chase, leaving the little captive behind. VALPARAISO, IND. W. A. Barr. Through the Swamps in August. 187 IHROUGA THE SWAMPS IN. AUGUST. There are many people who argue that the finest wild flowers of the season are found in the spring time, and they are always desirous of scouring the woods and searching hill and vale for the harbingers of spring; the fragrant Trailing Arbutus, Hepaticas, Anemones and the like, that appear aS soon as the wintry blasts have died away and the balmy air and gentle zephyrs betoken the coming of spring. Those who have this impression are in a measure correct, but they must not for a moment entertain the idea that when ‘‘ Old Sol” pours down his hottest rays and when the hot and scorching winds of a mid-summer day blow across the meadows, that there are no wild flowers worthy of notice. Prob- ably one great reason why the mid-summer flowers are so neglect- ed and little thought of, is on account of the usual great heat. The botanist as well as the most casual lover of flowers, is very much interested and becomes very enthusiastic in hunting in the spring time, in cool weather and gentle breezes blowing where everything is fresh and lovely, but as the weeks roll by he becomes tired of the sport, and when the hot months of July and August come, he is ready to drop botany for that year, rather than spend such hot days in the field. We can hardly blame one for these inclinations yet can softly say that if one were to rouse himself, and scour the fields and wander beside the shady brook and along the swamps, he will be well repaid. In direct contrast to the delicate and small plants of spring, we find in August huge hardy plants with generally larger and more gorgeous flowers. A trip by the swamps and wet meadow on an August day, will reveal to the most careless observer, the most conspicuous and handsome of flowers. [et us glance at a few that we would meet on a ram- ble in the haunts of these fine August bloomers. Along flowing streams and in swamps, our attention is first caught by the immense, beautifully tinted, roseate flowers of the Hibiscus Moschatus or Swamp Rose Mallow. It will be recog- nized by its striking resemblance to the Hollyhock; they both be- long to the same family. The stalk of the Hibiscus oftén grows to the height of six feet, and is of itself not at all homely, and the flower is simply gorgeous. One of the finest displays of this plant is found in the Montezuma Marshes in New York State. It js here very abundant and affords a fine spectacle. It is a great wonder that a plant with such handsome flowers is not cultivated, but seemingly no general attempts to domesticate it have been made. In the haunts of the Rose Mallow is found the splendid Cardinal flower (Lobelia Cardinalis). This is generally more common than the preceding, and is more diffused and less local. It is generally found in low grounds. The plant bears a large spike of hand- some, intensely red, showy flowers, rarely varying to rose color 188 The West American Scientist. and often white; being a perennial and increasing by off shoots, it is quite easily cultivated and is often found in gardens, where its beauty can be appreciated. To be successful in growing it, it should be transplanted in the fall after it has finished blooming, and placed, with plenty of its native earth, in a very wet spot in the yard or garden, and in the spring it will come up and bloom in profusion. Another handsome Lobelia, found somewhat later, is the great Lobelia, or known to the botanist as the Lobelia syphilitica. This one bears large blue flowers; they also are often found white. Somewhat of a different type is the Helenium autumale or Sage Weed, a compositer growing to the height of several feet and bearing a showy corymb of yellow flowers. It is very abundant, except, perhaps, in New England. Its drooping rays give it a peculiar appearance It is readily distinguished by its extremely bitter taste. A rather local and not generally met with plant is the Lythrum Salicaria, commonly known as the Spiked Loosestrife. In most all botanys its location is given as Eastern New England and Orange Co., New York, but this is erroneous as it has a much wider circle of growth. It is found besides in New England in Northern New Jersey, and in many places in New York. Con- trary to its being found in only Orange County I have myself observed it in six counties of the state, and it is still spreading, and all along the shores of the Hudson may be seen its tall spike of purple flowers, during July and August. This plant is quite extensively cultivated. Along streams and in wet ground the Hardhack or Steeple bush Spirzea tomentosa flourishes and lifts high its tall handsome spikes of feathery blossoms; it is often discovered with white flowers. It is commonest in New England, and is one of our handsomest summer wild flowers. Growing with this, but more> abundant, is the Spirzea salicifolia familiarly known as the com- mon meadow Lueet. It bears a crowded panicle of flesh colored flowers; it often attains quite a height and becomes a large bush, and its beautiful tints make it desirable for the garden. One wishing to examine a very curious plant should not fail to observe the Chelone glabra, known under the common names of Turtle Head, Snake Head, Balmony, Shell flower, etc. It blooms from July to September in all wet places and very abundantly, and bears flowers about an inch long, and of a white rose or purple color; its varieties of shades being a particular feature. Its shape is its peculiarity; it resembles greatly the head of some reptile, as a snake or turtle, whence its common name; and its scientific name is from a Greek word, meaning a tortoise. It has long been cul- tivated, its curiousness being the great incentive that brings it in- to the garden. Through the Swamps in August. 189 The Gerardia purpurea or purple gerardia, a parasitic plant that haunts wet places especially near the coast, belongs to the same family as the Chelone and exhibits the same general features. It bears very handsome flowers and on account of its great beauty, has been often experimented with, with a view to cultivation, but being a parasite of course all efforts have been in vain. Another handsome flower found with the preceding is the American cen- taury (Sabatia stellaris). It bears a forked raceme of large star shaped red flowers, and is truly grand. We find a very common, though not at all handsome, yet very conspicuous flower in the Vernonia Noveboracensis or Iron weed, a tall coarse weed of August; with many purple heads; it is a com- posite. Other plants which may be observed in damp spots during the last month of summer are the Verbena Hastata (Vervain) which bears a handsome spike of blue flowers; the Hypericiun mutilum whose cute little yellow star flowers often form a perfect mass in swampy ground, while near at hand the diffuse panicles of small white flowers are borne upon the Water Plaintain (Alisma plan- tago). The Impatiens fulva, known as Touch-me-not, Balsam and Jewel weed, grows tall and rank everywhere and the Mimulus ringens or monkey flower is also very common. The Peppermint Mentha peperita exhibits a spike of fragrant purple blossoms, and when a full and perfect spike is formed nothing can be prettier. There are many, many other plants, no less worthy of mention, that may be found at this time, but a sufficient number have been cited to clearly demonstrate to the skeptical that the summer months, August being the case in point, are not wanting in. flowers, and that one may collect and observe as many plants, and enjoy a days outing with the summer plants, if he will, as thoroughly as he may in balmy spring. Geo. L. Briggs. CHARLES \L. WAICAyY, Prepared for the meeting of the San Diego Society of Natural History, held April 7th, ’87. In the Spring of 1881, Mr. Charles L. McKay was sent to Alaska, by Professor S. F. Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution, to make biological collections, to study the ethnology of that re- gion, and to take charge of a United States Signal Station. The position appeared to be a most favorable one for a young Naturalist, for, in addition to a good salary his expenses were paid, and materiais and books furnished for the expedition; and, what was of more importance, the collections made were to be stored at Washington, until his return at the end of three years, when the collector might describe all the new species secured, and he would be entitled to the first ‘‘set” of specimens after the Na- tional Museum had been supplied, 190 The West American Scientist. Mr. McKay had already made a valuable contribution to the Ichthyology of the United States, having written a monograph of the Centrarchide, in which one new species was described. He was Museum Assistant to Professor Jordan, and graduated with honors from the State University of Indiana, the year he went to Alaska. Mr. McKay was stationed at the Eskimo village of Nushagak, on the river of that name, fifty miles from Bristol Bay, and near 59° north latitude, 158° west longitude. A letter from the Agent of the Alaska Commercial Co., brought the sad news to San Francisco, of Mr. McKay’s death as follows: When out collecting in April, 1883, Mr. McKay was drowned. He was alone in a bidarka or canoe, and it was supposed that he tried to beach his canoe on the ice, but not succeeding, the boat was capsized. Other members of the party afterward found his gun, but his body has not been recovered. At the time of his sud- den death, Mr. McKay had been in Alaska two years, and in one year more would have been ready to return to civilization. A good house had been built, and it was comfortably furnished and sup- plied with books tor his use, but the only persons in the village who could speak English, were the Fur Company’s agent and his assistant, a half-breed Indian. Mail was brought twice a year by a schooner sent from San Francisco, by the Alaska Commercial Co. Of the short days and long cold winters, Mr. McKay wrote little, but in his letters there are interesting accouxts of the country and its inhabitants. He says: ‘Nushagak is not on the seashore, but is 40 or 50 miles up the river. The rivers in this country are large magnificent bodies of water. In front of the village the river is about four miles wide; the air, however, is so clear here, that it looks to be not a mile to the other shore. Over beyond the opposite shore, apparently a stones’ throw, but in reality about twenty miles, is a range of low, rugged, sharp. clear-cut mountains; back of the village stretches the treeless tundra, ‘dotted all over with little fresh water lakes. Timber grows along the river bottoms, but so near the sea-coast as this, none grows back from the rivers. This country has a cer- tain desolate beauty of its own; if the vegetation was only as rich and luxuriant as the States, it would be really a beautiful country. * %™« * * The Indians here live in little villages along the banks of the rivers, usually where fish are to be had in plenty. They live in barrabaras or sod houses. The simplest form of a sod house is made by driving a few sticks into the ground, putting a few sticks across them for a roof, and covering the whole around and over with about a foot and a half of sods, leaving a hole in the roof for the smoke to escape, and a hole for a door; better barra- baras are made by building a regular log hot and covering it over with sod. The Indians dress almost entirely in skins; their sum- mer suit consists of a squirrel skin cap, a squirrel skin parka, deer skin trowsers and moccasins; for socks they pull a wisp of dry hay Chas. L. McKay. — ror to put in the bottom of their moccasins. The parka or coat, reach- es to the knees, and is made large enough in the neck to slip on over the head; when at work they tuck it up out of the way by means of a belt around the waist. When watching the approach of a person, if the weather happens to bea little chilly, the Indians squat down on the ground, draw their parkas in around their feet, pull their arms in out of the sleeves, and present the apt ae ofa row of superannuated progenitors of the human race. * * There are just two modes of locomotion in use in this country. In summer time, travel is by water in bidarkas, and in winter, by land or up the frozen rivers with sleds and dogs. I have tried the summer mode pretty thoroughly, and have found it a very pleasant way of traveling. * * * * The Indians in this sec- tion live largely on fish. They catch the Silver Salmon which run up the river in myriads; at high tide the men go out in bidarkas along shore, and catch them in nets; the women prepare the fish for drying by cutting off the flesh outside the ribs; it is then hung over poles and left till dry, and after being smoked is ready for winter use. If all the fish cannot be prepared for drying, a hole is dug into which the fish are thrown, covered over and left to mel- low for future use. These neople can eat anything that comes in their way. Ona trip when I was with three of them, they found a young beluga, that had been washed ashore some time, and was more than half rotten; this they cooked and made themselves a delicious meal. Rosa Smith Eigenmann. MARTYRS OF “SCIENCE, The scientific investigator, and notably the experimenting chem- ist, incurs dangers that would be likely to appall the most valiant fighters, and he meets them calmly and deliberately, not in hot blood and excitement. Familiarity with danger breeds reckless- ness, if not contempt, and the chemist will coolly taste with the tip of his tongue any unknown liquid that may be handed to him, Prussic acid is about the only thing he will not put into his mouth, but he can recognize that without tasting it. He will make all sorts of chemical combinations, and try them to see if they are ex- plosive or otherwise dangerous, and sometimes he discovers in a very unpleasant way that his new product is loaded. Dulong, in 1811, discovered chloride of nitrogen, and when he recovered con- sciousness, amid the wreck of all the glassware in his laboratory, he made a note with his unwounded hand, of the fact that chloride of nitrogen is highly explosive. About a year afterward, in trying to ascertain the exact conditions necessary to explode the com- pound, he lost an eye and two fingers. Davy, in the same year, had a similar adventure with the new explosive. A tube contain- ing a small quantity was suddenly shivered to atoms without any 192 The West American Scientist. apparent cause, and a piece of the glass struck Davy in the corner of the right eye, disabling him from further immediate experiments. In July, 1813, Davy set about finding out what was the matter with chloride of nitrogen, and attempted an analysis by mercury. The stuff went off again as usual, but Davy had protected his eyes with a thick plate of glass, and he was wounded only in the head and hands. Faraday was an assistant to Davy at this time. He was holding a small tube containing a few grains of the chloride between his thumb and finger, when a sudden and wholly unpro- has explosion occurred, stunning him and badly tearing his and. Pliny, the elder, lost his life by venturing near Vesuvius to in- vestigate the interesting phenomena of the eruption of August, A. D., 79. He was suffocated by the sulphurous fumes. Leh- man, professor of chemistry, at the Imperial Museum of St. Peters- burg, was killed in 1767 by inhalation of fumes from a strongly- heated arsenical mixture. Berthollet proposed in 1788, to substj- tute the chloride of potassium for the nitrate in the manufacture of gunpowder, and while experimenting at Essoune, produced a ter- rible explosion that killed the director of the government works and a young lady. Berthollet and Lavoisier were both present, but escaped injury. Lavoisier was guillotined in 1794. Pelletier, the elder, made a special study of combining phosphorus and chlorine with the metals, and the breathing ot the vapors induced consumption, of which he died. In 1808, Barruel rubbed fulmin- ating mercury in an agate mortar and had a portion of his hand blown off. The next year Figuier put sixty grains of the same stuff in a glass-stoppered bottle, and took it into the lecture room at Montpelier. When he removed the stopper, the friction caused an explosion that destroyed one of the chemist’s eyes. Thenard was lecturing in 1825, to the chemistry class of the Polytechnic School in Paris, and moistened his throat with two mouthfuls of corrosive sublimate instead of sweetened water. ‘‘Gentlemen,” he said, “I have poisoned myself; what I have taken is corrosive sublimate, and the remedy is white of eggs. Bring me some eggs.’’ The students raided all the stores and kitchens in the neighborhood, and the professor was supplied with eggs enough to save his life—M. Y. Tribune. An industrial journal gives the following valuable information ‘ A one-inch shaft running one hundred revolutions per minute will transmit one horse-power; a one-inch shaft will stand the force of fifty pounds at the end of a crank one foot long. A one-inch belt running eight hundred feet per minute will transmit one horse- power. A one-inch wrought iron rod will support seven thousand pounds, and a two-inch rod four times as much, The Walking Fern in lowa. 193 THE WALKING FERN IN IOWA. The rare and curious Walking Fern, Camptosorus rhizophyllus has been mentioned by several authors as of Iowan occurrence, and I do not speak of such occurrence now as a novelty. but sim- ply to describe a locality where I have found it in considerable abundance. This locality is a bit of heavy, rocky woodland, upon the north bank of the Des Moines river, about four or five miles below Ot- tumwa, in Wapello County. The land is very hilly and rough, and is immediately underlaid by a brown Carboniferous sandstone containing large concretions of iron oxyd, and where the stone has outcropped upon the hillsides, the iron has become disintegrated by the action of the weather, and caused the formation of caves of considerable size in the sandstone. In the Summer of 1884, I visited the place with geological equip- ment, intent upon a study of the occurrence of the iron, and in following up a high and narrow ravine cut through the sandstone, suddenly breaking through a heavy growth of underbrush, I found myself at the mouth of one of the caves I have mentioned, and di- rectly in front of the aperture in the bed o1 the ravine was a large boulder of sandstone covered with a thick growth of moss, and in this moss were seemingly numberless specimens of the Walking Hern: I should judge that there were fully 150 specimens, and, al- though diligent search was made, not a single individual could be found in the entire wood but upon this boulder. This trip was made late in June, and the ferns were just in con- dition to exhibit all the peculiarities of the species—the long, slen- der leaves, so unfernlike in appearance, with the delicate filament growing from the tip. bending down and becoming rooted, to grow into other individuals, and the curious arrangement of the spores, My geological equipment furnished no means for the preserva- tion ot ferns, and only a few were gathered, and these were not in the best of condition when I reached home. In the same month in 1886, some friends visited this same neigh- borhood on a fishing expedition, and at my instance and direction they made search for this same cave, and secured quite a large number of the specimens, but as they did not reach home for sev- eral days, there were but few of these in good condition. A number were prepared as well as possible, and have since been largely contributed to several Eastern Museums and other In stitutions, and I have yet a few remaining, which I should be . pleased to place where they will be of value. W. R. Lighton, 112 South Esplanade, Leavenworth, Kansas. 194 The West American Scientist. A MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. The Coronado Beach Company has closed a contract with Prof. Henry A. Ward, of Rochester, N. Y., to equip a Museum of Natural History, to be built in one of the parks near the Hotel Del Coronado. The museum building will be 150x50 feet in size, with an annex 20x35 feet. Professor Ward has a world-wide rep- utation among scientific men, and his name alone will be sufficient to attract attention to the new enterprise. Several years ago he had a collection on exhibition in San Francisco, that was visited by thousands of spectators, and created so much interest that a determined effort was made to retain it in this city. Finally it was purchased by Leland Stanford and Chas. Crocker, and by them presented to the Academy of Sciences. The collection which the Professor will place in the Coronada Museum will ex- ceed in interest the one now in San Francisco. Professor Ward’s specialty is the reproduction of extinct ani- mals such as the mammoth, mastodon and other creatures of pre- historic times. These results of Professor Ward’s skill are so graphic that the visitor to the musuem might imagine himself, barring the roaring of the monsters, back in the tertiary period and gazing upon a prehistoric menagerie. In addition to the museum proper Professor Ward will fit up in the annex to the main a zooptican, similar to the one now at Woodward’s Gardens, San Francisco, and which has for years proved an object of delight to visitors, both young and old. The price contracted to be paid to Professor Ward by the Cor- onado Beach Company is $28,000. This of course does not in- clude the cost of the building, which will be of wood, but con- structcd in a tasteful and artistic manner, to correspond with its surroundings. | Professor Ward visited San Diego last spring, and was so pleased with the climate that he has concluded to reside here a portion of the year at least, and will take the museum under his especial care.— San Diego Sun. USE: YOGR. PENCILS. In all your studies you will find it of the greatest helpfulness to make drawings of your specimens. I know it to be true that every one can, with a little patience, and even no instruction, draw well enough to make it his while to draw the best he can. Don’t say “‘I can’t draw.” Don’t say you have had no lessons. Simply take a piece of plain smooth paper, and a hard pointed pencil, and draw. Draw each object as it looks to you. When you analyze a flower, make separate drawings of the separate parts—the petals and sepals, stamens and pistils, ovary and ovules, root, stem and leaves and sections of the same. Agassiz used to Dr. Baldwin. 195 say ‘The pencil is the best microscope,’ which means that when you draw each part as accurately as you can, your attention is so rivited to minute details that you learn with the naked vision to see more than an untrained eye would see with the aid of the most powerful objective.—Presdent Ballard. DR. BALIFWIN., Dr. Baldwin was the botanist of Major Stephen H. Long’s ex- pedition to the Rocky Mountains, when it started from Pittsburg in May, 1819. But his health failed and he was left at Franklin, Howard Co., Missouri, where he died August 31, 1819, and the late Dr. Edwin James his took place in the expedition as botanist and geologist. Dr. James speaks of Dr. Baldwin as having been an earnest and diligent worker and as having contributed much to advance and embellish the fascinating science to which his life was dedicated. His manuscripts were numerous but his published works few. His Herbarium contributed to enrich the works of Pursh and Nuttall; he was the friend and correspondent of Muhlenburg and contributed materials for the catalogue of North American plants published by that botanist. In South America Dr. Baldwin met with Bonpland, the illustrious companion of Humboldt, and cor- responded with him until his death. He travelled in South America and North America, and his notes and collections are extensive and numerous. In a letter addressed to Mr. Frazer, and extract of which was published in the tenth volume of the London Fournal of Literature and the arts, Dr. Baldwin mentions having discovered, near Monte Video, in South America, the Solanum Tuberosum in its native locality. Mr. Lambert, however, considered this plant as the Solanum Commersoni of Dunal, and though it produces tuberous roots, and in other respects makes a near approach to S. tube- rosum; he was not satisfied of their identity, and remarks that it is yet to be proved, that this is the stock from which the common potatoe has been derived. It appears, however, that the original locality of the solanum tuberosum has been ascertained by Ruiz and Pavon, after having escaped the observation of Humboldt and Bonpland. During Dr. Baldwin’s connection with the Rocky Mountain Expedition, after he was unable to walk on shore, he caused plants to be brought to him on the boat during the voyage from Pitts- burg to Franklin, and detected and described many new plants. The following is a brief extract from his diary: _Erigeron canadense, Solanum Carolini anum, very luxuriant and still flowering. The leaf of the Tilia glabra, I found to meas- ure thirteen inches in length, and eleven in breadth. Bignonia radicans, a Helianthus with a leaf margined with spines, the nar- 196 The West American Scientist. row leaved Brachystemon , and many others in flower. August 4th Dr. Lowry informed me he has seen Pyrus coronaria, forty feet in-height in the forests about Franklin. He showed me a Rudbeckia about three feet high with a cone of dark purple flow- ers probably a new species. A few notes more and his diary was closed to be opened by him no more. SCIEN TITICGOALE C TIONS. Soft iron has a magnetic power twice that of lodestone and one thousand times that of ferric sulphate. Astronomical authority fixes the light emitted by all the stars upon the surface of the globe as equal to one-tenth of the light of the full moon. The fastest time ever made by any ship or boat, according to a scientific journal, was twenty-eight miles per hour, this being the performance of an Italian twin screw torpedo boat. The sun’s gravity is twenty-seven times as great as that of the earth. Were the earth’s gravity increased to that of the sun, a one hundred and fifty pound object would weigh about two tons. Upon analysis as it comes from the gin, cotton-seed contains fifty founds of nitrogen, twenty pounds of phosphoric acid, and twenty pounds of potash to the ton. Southern corn-fodder con- tains about twenty pounds of nitrogen and small percentages of phosphoric acid and potash to the ton. According to a celebrated French astronomer, the total number of stars visible to the average naked eye does not exceed six thou- sand. An ordinary opera-glass will bring out twenty thousand ; a small telescope will bring out nearly two hundred thousand, and the most powerful telescopes one hundred million. There is no property of steel that is not common to cast iron; as, for instance, the hardening of steel and the chilling of cast iron, and softening either by heat, and from the mildest steel, contain- ing only traces of carbon, to the highest cast iron, we have simply one substance, iron, containing various quantities of alloys or sub- stances in solution, and the properties which we observe vary only in degree, due to the quantity of alloy that is present. In order to preserve the eyesight, an oculist says that it will be found a good plan to cease using the eyes for the time being, and look away from the work when the sight becomes the least pain- ful, blurred or indistinct, and, after perfect rest for a moment or longer, work may be resumed, to be discontinued as before when the eyes again feel fatigued. The light should always be sufficient and fall properly on the work, it being best to have it tall from above and behind, or, failing this, it may fall from the side. Any artificial light for the evening is good if it is brilliant enough and Literature. 197 Steady, but when such light is at all painful it is safer to read or write only during the day. Reading in the horse or steam cars, requires too great an exertion of the accommodative power to keep the eyes fixed on the letters. The accommodative power is also too much taxed by reading when lying down. LIFTERA T Gie. Pittonia: A series of botanical papers, by E. L. Greene, part 2,is at hand. The author explains that the name is in honor of the great French botanist, the family name of Tournefort. A bo- tanical sketch of San Miguel island, with a catalogue of the flower- ing plants, is an interesting feature of this issue. A revision cf North American Linaceae, by Prof. Wm. Gre- lease, from the Trans. St Louis Acad. Sci., V., 7-20, from the author, is a valuable contribution to our botany. Vegetable Parasites and Evolution, is the title of an address by Prof. W. G. Farlow, before the section of biology, A. A. A. S., August, 1887. Dr. Geo. Vasey has issued Bull. No. 4, botanical division of the Dept. Agriculture, giving the desiderata of the National Herbari- um fo North America, north of Mexico, from Ranunculaeec to Rosacreel inclusive, including nearly 700 plants of which specimens are wanted. A report on experiments on the cottony cushion-scale and the red-scale, by Albert Koebele, 1887, has been received from the author. Bibliographical contributions, No. 25, consists of a list of works on North American fungi, by W. G. Farlow and Wm. Trelease. It is issued by the Library of Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., 1887. Ornithological Observations in San Diego County, by W. O. Emerson, is the title of a valuable paper on our birds in Bull. 7, Cal. Acad. Sci., 419-431, for which we are indebted to the author. The observations were mainly made in the Volcano Mountains and in Poway Valley. An account of the importations and exportations of horticultural products for 1884 to 1886, by Ch. Joly, Paris, 1887, is a valuable pamphlet of 9 pages, showing the extent of the trade in France and the distribution of her products in foreign countries. Dr. C. C. Parry gives a partial revision of the Uva-ursi section of the genus Arctostaphylos, as represented on the Pacific Coast, in Bull. 8, Cal. Acad. Sci., 483-496. He seems to favor the re- establishment of Nuttall’s Xylococcus (X. bicolor). A. pungens and A. glauca he treats as extra-limital (Mexican) species, the California plants hitherto known under these names receiving 108 The West American Scientist. treatment as new species, as are also several forms previously con- founded. A list of our manzanitas would be as follows: Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi, Spreng. pumila, Nutt. Nevadensis, Gray. Hookeri, Don. Andersoni, Gray. tomentosa, Dougl. Manzanita, Parry, new. viscida, Parry, new. Stanfordiana, Parry, new. insularis, Greene, new. Pringlei, Parry, new. glauca, Lindl. Our California ‘pungens’ is Parry’s A. Manzanita, and ‘glauca’ is his A. viscida. A. Pringleihas been distributed as A. tomentosa: Alatypes or stenotypography, by the late H. H. Brown, 1887, 92 pp., is a treatise on a system of condensed printing. From F. W. Dunning, 32 South Division St., Battle Creek, Mich. Price, 4 cents. : The Marysville (Cal.) Budget is an excellent literary monthly, which we are glad to add to our exchange list. The Century for September contains Atwater’s fourth paper on the ‘Digestibility of food,’ which should be widely read. The numerous historical papers in this number are of greater interest and value than ever. St. icholas this month contains a pleasing article ‘about hum- ming-birds,’ by Mrs. Homer H. Stuart. This magazine is as in- teresting as when it was the organ of the Agassiz Association to the young student of nature. | Book Ch:t,—Brentano’s, N. Y,,—is an excellent index to the periodical literature of the world for every month. It indexes the contents of about 250 magazines, including all the more prominent ones in the world. Among them, the Wrest AMERICAN SCIEN- TIST can be found. NECROLOGY. Alvan Clark, one of the great masters of the mechanical arts, died at Cambridge, August 19, at the age of 83 years. He hada world-wide reputation as an astronomer and as a manufacturer of the most powerful astronomical instruments ever made. Spencer Fullerton Baird, the distinguished secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, director of the U. S. National Museum, and Commissioner of fishand fisheries of the U. S., died at Wood’s Hall, August 19. He was born in Reading, Pa., on February 3d, 1323. Editorial. 199 WASHINGTONIA ROBUSTA. : ee SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA, July 30, 1887. Dear Sir:—Y ours as to palms received. The description given of robusta is same as I get from other quarters. Some also state that the leaves of robusta are more fringed with filaments than is filifera. I know the place of which you speak, but have never been ‘‘high up on the mountain.’’ Palms, there, as well as else- where, grow always in the canyons, as you well know. Your de- scription may apply to ‘‘far up in the canyons,”—but “up on the mountain side,’ is simply up on the rocks where nothing grows, for the mountain side in that locality is just bare and jagged rocks of the most desolate possible description. Further, as to the description of robusta given, it applies to fili- fera as well. All palms have the yellowish hooked spines or teeth along the edges of the leaf-stems, and the leaf-stems vary in color somewhat, according to age, soil, water and other circumstances, as is the case also as to the filaments. My opinion is, and always has been, that robusta is a myth—a false name gotten up solely to toist upon buyers a new (?) kind of seed at higher rates. I think that the whole thing started from that sentence or two in Bot. Cal., on page 485,'Appendix, as to my report to Prof. Watson. I have frequent applications for seeds of robusta, but I always reply that I know of no such species, and utterly refuse to give seed under that name for any price whatever. W. G. Wright. ORNITHOLOGY AND OoLocy.—This department is conducted by R. B. Trouslot, Valparaiso, Ind., and all inquiries or commu- nications under this head should be addressed to him. EDITORIAL. This month we havea variety of news for our readers. Science loses heavily in the death of Prof. Baird, whose life-work is so widely know. The activity of the society of natural history, or rather the signs of future activity in the future is something for congratulation. The union of two earnest students of nature, robs us for a time of one of our workers, but will add to our number in the near future, as Prof. and Mrs. Eigenmann will make their home in San Diego, after their journeyings abroad. The plans for the buildings of the college of San Diego, to be erected at Pacific - Beach, a few miles north of this city. Prof. F. P. Davidson will have charge in the new institution of the natural sciences. Vari- ons other institutions of learning are proposed, among them a University for lower California. A fine museum is secured to Coronado Beach, and another museum will probably be established in this vicinity on a basis unsurpassed by any in the United 300 The West American Scientist. States, not excepting our National Museum. Other work may for a few months require our issuing less complete numbers than the present issue of THE ScIENTIST. While we may issue fewer pages for a time, we hope to raise our standard of excellence still higher, and to complete arrangements for giving our patrons still more than we have attempted. THE SAN DIEGO SOGETY OF NATURAL ASTOR September 2d the Society held its regular monthly meeting at its rooms on 6th street. D. Cleveland presiding. The action of the Board of Directors, thanking Henry Hemphill for the donation of a valuable collection of over tooo species of shells, and advising his election to a life membership in the Society was reported, and Mr. Hemphill unanimously elected a life member by the Society. Several gentlemen were elected to active membership. The plans of the proposed new building were informally dis- cussed. D. Cleveland teported for his committee thatan architect had been instructed to draw up plans for a three-story brick build- ing with basement, 50x96 feet, with a handsome front. The lower floor is to be a public hall, while the upper floors are to be devoted to the museum and library, with galleries, and lighted with a large skylight. The Society is in a transcient state, but greater activity may be looked for in the future. The Society is wealthy, and great op- portunities for work are being developed. NOTES AND NEWS. Dr. Asa Gray and wife are expected to return from England to their home in Cambridge, early in October. A ‘University of Lower California’ is to be established at En- cenada de Todos Santos, Lower California. Over 400 acres of land, valued at $500,000, is secured to the institution. Miss Rosa Smith, the celebrated lady icthyologist of San Diego, and corresponding secretary of our scciety of natural history, was married August 20th, to Carl H. Eigenmann, of Bloomington, Ind. Prof. Eigenmann has also made a special study of fishes. They take their bridal trip over the Canadian Pacific R. R. to Cambridge, Mass., where they will devote a year to their favorite studies. From the present statue of the metric system, as given by a Parisian archivist, the following is deduced: Number of popula- tion of countries in which the system is obligatory, 241,073,0I1T; number of population of countries in which the system is optional by law, 97,639,825; number of population of countries in which the system is used without legal value, 333,266,386. _{_-_ The West American Sctentztst. CONSOLIDATION OF THE HOOSIER NATURALIST WITH THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST Creeting to Our Readers! Of those who will read this number who have never before seen a copy of this magazine. Of such we ask a careful examination of the character of the paper which we place before them and earnestly solicit them to become subscribers —_——_— CLUBS! Will You Not Subscribe at Once? 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As a payment of your sub- scription ten years in advance with the privilege of having the paper free as long as you live over 10 years. 3d. As an investment of $10.00 which will yield you monthly a divi- dend of ten cents as long as you live, or, 4th. As a contribution to the cause of science from which you will see good results every month. If 300 will pay $10 each for life subscriptions the magazine will be piaced on a permanent basis. Will You Not be One? AND GET UP A CLUB. The West American Scientist. VVHAGLE Yex JDARTORS SUCCESSORS TO MORSE, WEALEY & Sale SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, “Pioneer Real Estate Dealers. NOTARIES. ~« Revised and Enlarged. Illustrated by Theodore Jasper, A. M., M. D. This work has taken a permanent place in the liter- . ature relating to the Nesting Habits of our North American Birds. It contains accurate descriptions of the Color of the Eggs and size of the Nests of all the Land and Water Birds known to breed in North America. 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D., Lafayette, Indiana, BUSINESS MANAGER, RUFUS W. DEERING, Washington, D. C. NOTES ON MOLLUSKS of the vicinity of San Dieyo, Cal., and Todos Santos Bay, Lower California, by C. R. Orcurt, with comments by Dr. W. H. DALL. With plate. Price, 25 cents, Cc. R. ORCUTT, San Diego, Cal. JUJARDINS [FE ESSENCE Js a combination of Phosphorus, Albumen, Pro- toxon, Lime, Soda and Iron, which act on the Brain, Nerves and Stomach, increasing the appetite, assisting Digestion, Curing Dys- pepsia, inevery form, Headache, Neuralgia, Insomnia, General Debility, Want of Vi- tality, Nervous Prostration and Impo- tence. In Hysteria and Epilepsy its effects are magical. In Consumption its nutritive qualities are beyond comparison with other preparations. Its action is shown by the increasing strength and weight of the patient, and the loss of cough and night sweats. It is a brain, nerve, and life giving tonic. Price, $1.50 per bottle. pa@-For SALE BY ALL DRUGGISTS. Curiosities. [Postpaid on receipt of price.] LOCH ff IM OP ger eeRee aes «alee iste aye Soo, Seaplane 25 Barb. of Sting aRey «.... 0 cl. i> ce sN ele ete 10 Octopus punctatus, Devil Fish................ 50 Nest, made by Trap-door spider, upper portion 1 00 STarantiila, HAWK 7) ssrreve cvs sin toue lel cee sealer 50 Scorpions. ees s osestina, care stele eee eee 25 Barnacles 4.13 .;725. seis oo cate oe eee 05 Goose Barnacies........ .. 4. 6 ebttiae eee 10 Echinarachnius excentricus, (Flat Sea-Urchin). 10 Stronygylocentrotus purpuratus, (Purp'e Sea- UyChita)...... 4% ajeie = steele’ os en Seal Cece een 10 Long-Spined Sea, Urchin\.. 5... 0... seeen ee eeee 1 00 Star Fish and Ophidans) 225 .-c. sneer 10 to 100 Crabs and other crustacea......... .. 05 to 100 Screw bean pods (Don’t you know beans!).... 05 Pearis, from Haliotis, odd and curious forms, SOME ANE:.6...c4° Ptleb oie ete 25c to 10 00 Fiddler. Crab... .. ses) Wesoheles «5 [03 pe pe 15 Polished Tiger Eye, 1144 x 2..........%. S tetetaitie 35 Cc. R- ORCUTT, San Diego, Cal. SEND FOR CATALOGUE OF THE ACME MICROSCOPES. Clearance Sale! Calalcgue and sample copy of the Micro- scopical Bulletin free JAMES W. QUEEN, Manufact’g Opticians, PHILADELPHIA. TO RECEIVE F GUARANTEE YOU * sco savezes Books, Circulars, Letters an. Papers FR E E from firms all over the U.S.and Canadas, if you send 20 cents to have your name 1n new issue ef Agents’ Name Di- rectory. Copy sent you with your name inserted. ALLEN & CO, Box 146, Kennedy, N. Y. VERNON Hin, VA., Dec. 27, ’86. ALLEN & Co.: Gents—I have already received more than the 500 parcels of mail, many newspapers, etc., of which I had often paid 1O0c each for before. I ad- vise all to have their name inserted at once’ I know from experience your Directory far excels all others. R. T, JAMES, Agent, é Mention this Magazine. ee ee ee ee The West American Scientist. A Book for the Soa-side, the Lake, and the Forest _ WEST COAST SHELLS A familiar description of the Marine, Fresh Water, and Land Mollusks found in the United States, west of the Rocky Mountains. FE yg 6} oR AE = i Ss PY A Professor of Natural Science, Mills College. EXTRACT FROM THE PREFACE. ; The kind reception given to my little book on the ‘CommMon SEA SHELLS OF CALIFORNIA has induced me to prepare this larger work, embracing a wider territory, namely, that part of the United States lying west of the Rocky Mountains. The present volume includes descriptions of all the species mentioned in the former one, and also treats of many oF Phe uncommon and minute shells which are found along the coast, from Alaska on the north, to Mexico on the south. It also describes the land and fresh-water mollusks of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada; thus making it of use as a reference book for the interior, as Well as along the sea-coast. The nearly two hundred engravings have all been drawn from nature, expressly for this work, and while materially increasing its cost, they will, I trust, even more increase its value, To adapt the book to younger students, it is written in a SIMPLE STYLE, the NAMES of the species are EXPLAINED and the PRONUNCIATION is INDICATED. A Key for the Analysis of Shells, and a Biographical Index of Natur- alists are new and helpful features. ‘There is also a Glossary for beginners, and a carefully prepared Cuerck List for collectors. It is most desirable that the children and youth of our Western Slope should become interested in and intelligently acquainted with the rich and varied forms of life which are resting or moving all around them. Hence it is hoped that this book will be placed in all #chool libraries, and, where practicable, be used for ped aaareel ie reading by the older classes. At the sea-side, many pick up and admire a few shells without knowing anything of their mames or nature. By the aid of this book such aimless shell gathering may happily be changed into a source of intelligent and elevating pleasure. For couuecrors in other parts cf this country and abroad, this book will be found of especial value, both in making up lists of desiderata and studying and arranging their exchanges. The Frontispiece is a hand-painted engraving of the very rare and beautiful Surcula Carpen- teriana, Gabb. The book contains upwards of two hundred and thirty pages, and is carefuily printed on fine, heavy paper, and neatly bound in cloth. Price, Postage Paid, $1.75, net. With a year’s subsoription to this magazine, $2.25. Address, __ oc. R. ORCUTT, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA Please mention this magazine. The West American Scientist. F.R. WETMORE & CO. 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Mention this magazine. rb ‘ L9 o® | TEE uf I A Popular Review and Record for America. : Official Organ of the San Diego Society of Natural History. : CONTENTS: Fossil ata TY atente dae es gine bebue'a sic Dis Li Ge. Vateasiace ee: Mummy Eyes for Jewelry........ 220005 Geo. F. Kunz.....2..0. 00+ : Extended Range of Some Californian Plants, Prof. E. L. Green...... a The Late Professor Baird.......... ah Sar ie AOE Bee Gay NY ACCS) s cone ae Bemenervent Destruction of Birds. i...4. ogc. ccecscesiaces sageccseceeages Notes on the Power of Scent in the Sexton Beetle, L. R. Lighton.... NN tO eva olet cs nn ss eta danca ys st tue'e suseccaes: M Peeetnone the Magazines...) 5.2. se cece cde cesses Peek Pace Maar ae ha MIS EBOOKS 1 0s fino. ks ce ciae ius oP delane ecu ns des SEN mie e CO TNCWS 6 ods < gus ae oe clos oh cela's «ooabinte Seine aie Waa’ d CARA ed ws OnE Bi _ The Restless Sea “A Poem,’’.........0005 Be Whe Smith, echaueeces SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. For Great Britain, Five Shillings. [Entered at the Postoffice at San Diego as*second-class matter. ] Bh Votume Ill. OCTOBER, 1887. WHOLE No. 20. \* fen - West + American + Scientist. r _ Price, 10 Cents; $1.00 a Year in the United States and Canada. _ _W. P. COLLINS, Agent, 157 Gt. Portland St., London. Horstords ACID PHOSPHATE, (CHIQwrD:) A preparation of the phosphates that is readily assimilated. _ by the system. ESPECIALLY RECOMMENDED FOR Dyspepsia, Mental and Physical Exhaus- tion, Indigestion, Headache, Nerv- ousness, Wakefulness, Im- paired Vitality, Ete. Prescribed and endorsed by Physicians of all schools. It combines well with such stimulants as are necessary to take. It makes a delicious drink with water and sugar only. For sale by all druggists. Pamphlet free. Rumford Chemical Works, Providence, K, I. Bevvare of Imitations. THE West AMERICAN SclENtTIst. etl... OCTOBER, 1887. No. 30: mee POLANY, AND THE, ADVANTAGES..OF UT ASS SOLE.” S | (SECOND PAPER.) Fossils are the remains of organized bodies, animal or vegetable which eliminated primarily from the mineral substances compos- ing the crust of the earth, by the mysterious principles of vitality, and after using that vitality, have become imbedded in the differ- ent strata of the earth’s surface by erosion, denudation, and the disintegration of the solid portions of inorganic matter brought about by rain, wind, frost, and other agencies. These dead bodies are subsequently more or less altered in their structure and composition by chemical agencies and forces, by which the inert particles of matter are subjected to perpetual change. The softer and more delicate portions of the animals and plants decay rapidly after death; the more durable portions resist decom- position, and are oftentimes covered up by alluvial or diluvial debris, and deposits of sand and mud, in which condition, while excluded and protected from the destructive action of the atmos- phere, they are subjected to various chemical substances in solu- tion, whereby the bones and shells of animals, and the woody and fibrous portions of plants are preserved in their original condition, or their form or structure replaced by mineral substances, chang- ing their composition but retaining their original form and struc- ture, rendering their identification easy, and enabling the student to compare the dead organisms of past ages with their living suc- cessors and representatives of the present. In this manner they constitute the types or characters, whose combination and position furnish us with indisputable records of the ancient history of the earth In the reading of the book of nature, the fossil animals tell us of the topography of the earth’s surface at different periods of its _history, and of the existence of continents, islands, seas, bays, lakes, rivers, etc.; while the tossil plants have recorded the char- acter of the vegetation, also the condition and changes of temper- ature of the atmosphere in by-gone ages. 202 The West American Sctentist. The fossil plants of the Pliocene of Nevada County, Cal., indi- cate a climate analagous to that of the Southern Atlantic States of the present. The fossil palms which are found in abundance in the lower lignitic measures of this continent, especially in Colorado, and even so far north as Vancouver’s Island seem to indicate a gradual dimunition of atmospheric heat, from the Eocene to the Glacial Epoch. The two species of Sequoia of California are rare and venerable remnants of the flora of the Tertiary, passed through untold cen- turies, giving us a glimpse of the living representatives of the giants of former periods. os , Many of the characters which would be of interest to the reader of the book have doubtless been obliterated, and others so mixed and scattered that, in the present state of our knowledge, they correspond to the “pi” of the printer, and require the skill of trained and advanced scientists to arrange them in the order of their continuity. Prof. Leo Lesquereux says, ‘For the determination of the epochs, if we may call epochs arbitrary divisions of time estab- lished for convenience by geologists, we have to consider the doc- uments relating to their history, and those are mostly the fossil remains of their floras.’ During the Tertiary period, large portions of this continent were covered with swamps and heat-bogs which served as reser- ivoirs for the deposit of the vegetable remains which form the lignites and coal. According to Dr. J. G. Cooper, who has made a special study of the coal-bearing rocks of the Pacific Coast, the fossil shells found in connection with the coal, show that it was formed by accumulations of trees, etc., in shallow bays, at the mouths of rivers, in fresh or brackish water, and therefore along the shores of older continents or large islands. The true coal of the carboniferous rccks in other countries was formed from the tree ferns, Algae and other plants of low organ- ization. The coal of our coast contains remains of coniferous and dicotyledonous trees, and has hence been considered of more recent age, namely, cretaceous and Tertiary. The coal-beds of Mount Diablo, Cal., Bellingham and Coos Bays, and Vancouver’s Island are of cretaceous or Eocene age, while the lign.te beds of Ione Valley and of Lincoln, California, according to the testimony of the fossil plants found in them, are probably of Pliocene age. Dr. Hayden has estimated that the Great Lignitic. or Western Coal Regions cover an area of, at least, 100,000 square miles. At the close of the Pliocene Epoch, evidences are found of great changes in the topography of this region by volcanic action, which destroyed the then existing tropical fauna and flora. fossil Botany. 203 This was followed by a period of intense cold, during which time many of the terraces and mesas of our coast were planed down by the slow but irresistible action of immense glaciers and sheets of ice. , Many northern species of land shells and plants followed these glaciers and ice-fields, and are now living where, previous to the Glacial Period, species lived and grew which are now extinct in this region, but are found living nearer the tropics. - Parallel illustrations are noticed by Grant Allen, an eminent English writer, who, in a recent article on the White Mountains of New: Hampshire, says:—‘A glacial fauna and flora still cling to the heights. Polar butterflies stranded there at the end of the Great Ice Age, keep up to this day the lineal succession of their little colony, though no others of their kind are again to be found in all America, till you reach the frozens shores of Labrador.” The plants are everyone of Arctic species. and he enumerates several, all of which were once common glacial forms. The history of the world from its beginning, i is a history record- ed at every step, but the records are buried and concealed as fast as they are written, and their reading can only be partially accom- plished, and that by patient observation and study, by many and widely separated observers. The combined readings of these various observations constitute the summary of our knowledge of the past, and from which we make our deductions of the probabilities of the future. Lorenzo G. Yates. MOMMY “EVES FOR FRWEALRY. (Read before the New York Microscopical Society, October 2d, 1885, by GEORGE F. LuUNz ) The subject which I take the liberty of presenting to you this evening was brought to my attention by a number of articles that recently appeared in the daily papers. In these articles it was stated that a necklace was being made by Messrs. Tiffany & Co. of petrified human eyes; that arsenic had been used in the prep- aration of these eyes, and that three workmen who were engaged on the necklace had been made suddenly ill by the deleterious poison, and refused to resume work on such dangerous material. Through the kindness of Mr. W. E. Curtis I was enabled to bring the material with me to-night, and on inquiry at headquart- ers the facts were elicited, which I shall present to you. An ex- planatory letter from Mr. Curtis was likewise loaned tu me by Mr. C. Hanford Henderson, and this, with the information gleaned from Messrs. Tiffany & Co., has enabled me to give a true and Satisfactory account of the matter. Mr. Curtis writes that “mum- mies are very common in Peru, so common, in fact, that they can readily be obtained at $4 or $5 apiece.’’ The writer himself 204 The West American Scientist. recollects that some years since they were sold as low as $11 each at Leavitt's, in this city. Mr. Curtis continues, “that, having learned from a young lady in New York that they were sometimes. used in jewelry, he determined to procure some for a necklace. This he did without difficulty, most of the eyes being obtained at Anica, Pena Prof. Baird also informs me that the so-called mummies’ eyes are well known, and that the first he ever saw were brought to the United States from Peru by Lieut. Gillis about thirty years ago. Professor Baird adds that they are, without question, the crystal- line lenses of the eyes of a species of cuttle fish (squid). This. view is corroborated by Prof. Verrill, who says there is a large squid, very common on the Peruvian coast, the lens of the eyes of which is about as large as these so-called mummies’ eyes. Some of the lenses from the eyes of these cuttle fish measure only 5 mm., but the majority of them are 12 mm. in diameter, and. some as muchas 18mm. The color, really only the result of age, is a dark amber yellow or golden bronze externally on the con- vex side. In all cases they are nearly opaque, and have the ap- pearance of an onion skin or any other sack-like concretion. On the flat side, however, the color is much lighter, and a little play of light is noticeable. The surface is rough, as if an exudation had hardened on it. The structure of the lenses is like that of a pearl, an aggregation of successive enveloping layers, which are marked on the surface by sets of concentric rings. It is also plain, from these rings, that the lenses are sections, constituting only about one-half of the original lenses of the fish, the intention un- doubtedly being to produce additional luminous effect by this series of hemispherical reflectors. The crystalline lens of a human eye would not be so large as even the medium sized lens exhibited here this evening, and is so exceedingly delicate that it can only be preserved at all by the greatest care. In many fishes, and especially the cuttle fish (squid), the lens of the eye containsso much solid matter that it will dry up in a short time, and with very little contraction, into a hard, transparent mass, which would probably be durable. On the contrary, Prof. Raimondi, the most eminent ethnologist of Peru, believes these eyes to be human, and Dr. Tschudi, of Vienna, is said to support him in this theory. The region where these mummy eyes are found is rainless, and the mummies were dried in a sitting posture in the salty sand or the nitre beds, often thousands of them at one place. This being the case, they must have been exposed to the public gaze, and the embalmers would naturally wish to make the appearance of the dead as attractive as possible. Hence it is probable that the cut- tle fish eyes, which were inserted into the empty sockets, were cut Mummy Eyes for Jewelry. 205 into two equal parts, in order to obtain greater luster and give a natural brightness to the eyes of their dead. The three workmen who were engaged in polishing these eyes were all affected soon after working on them. The sawing and polishing were done at different times, and in each case the same result followed, so that the workmen are confident that their illness was caused by the inhalation of dust during the sawing. The youngest, a boy of 16, was taken sick after working only a few hours. His illness consisted of headache, billiousness, and vomit- ing, and lasted for one day. Another workman, a strong, hearty Frenchman. about 45 years of age, and weighing nearly 200 pounds, reported that he was taken sick with nausea, sick head- ache, and vomiting, and noticed a disagreeable, metalic taste in his mouth during’ his entire illness, which lasted four days. The other, a German lapidary, about 4o years of age, was affected shortly after working at the eyes with an eruption of small pimples over his entire body, and when any of the affected parts were rubbed a swelling immediately arose. This rash was perceptible for overa month. From the fact that these three cases occurred in one workshop, and soon after work was commenced on the eyes, the men very naturally reasoned that the eyes were the cause of their sickness, and expressed a desire not to resume work on them. In response to inquiry, Prof. Baird writes that he never heard that poisonous qualities were inherent in the eyes. If they are really poisonous, it surely cannot be from any preparation used to preserve them, tor no preservative was necessary, as would have been the case if they were human eyes. It has been observed, however, that in this case certain alkaloids may be generated by the decomposition of the organic constituents of the eyes. This matter will soon be determined, pathologically by myself. The United States survey chemists are also examining the lenses, to see what alkaloids, if any, are present. _ As ornaments these eyes are truly beautiful when the exudation on the cut surface has been removed, and they are finely polished. They vary in color from a light yellowish amber tint to a dark yellow, yellowish brown, or rich arhber brown, similar to that from Catania, Sicily. Insome cases the colors are found in alter- nated bands, as in the Mexican fire opais from Querertaro. A\l- though the reflections lack the play of colors found in the opal, the tints are warmer and more pleasing. The luster on the un- cut rounded sides is pearly. With a proper gold mounting, these eyes would give a very beautiful effect in jewelry, although mois- ture would be likely to injure the polish.—/ewelers’ Circular. The Coronado Beach Co. has contracted with Col. Von Schmidt for the dredging of Glorietta Bay, and Spanish bight, portions of San Diego Bay, at a cost of $100,000. 206 The West American Scientist. EXTENDED RANGE OF SOME CALIFORNIAN FL ANTS. Since the publication, seven years ago, of the second volume of the Botany of the State Survey, with its valuable supplements, no regular account is kept, in any journal, of the re-discovery of rare or long lost species, or of the extending range of such as were formerly believed to be somewhat local. Yet notes of this kind, always giving light upon the highly interesting subject of plant distribution, are very important to be preserved. A few such are here offered. In a small parcel of specimens collected this year in the upper part of Monterey County, by Rev. J. B. Hickman, and sent to me for identification, I find the following worthy of mention. Lupinus luteolus, (Kellogg) not before reported from any point south of the Napa and Sacramento valleys; Eriogonum trichopo- dum, (Torrey) a species belonging to Arizona and New Mexico, also the deserts of south-eastern California, and now. in San Benito Co., just east of Monterey, at least three hundred miles distant from any other recorded habitat of the species: Phacelia viscida, (Torrey) and Euphorbia histula, (Engelm), both hertofore sup- posed to be restricted to regions south of Point Conception; Pha- celia circinatiformis, (Gray) a plant so rare that no one has seen it, until now; since Douglas’ time, and he must have obtained it in this same region in 1831 or 32. This is, indeed, a mo't note- worthy re discovery. Mr. Lemmon obtained this year Eschscholt- zia rhombipetala, (Greene) in San Luis Co., at least one hundred miles below its recorded habitat, 1. e., the plains of the lower San Joaquin. Therare Eriogonum dasyanthemum, (Torrey & Gray) has lately been found plentiful in the vicinity of Vacaville, in the lower Sacramento, region by Messrs Philip Woolsey and Willis Jepson, while Mr. V. K. Chestnut has brought specimens of Hemizonia Heermanni, (Greene) from near the summit of Mt. Diablo, very far to the northward of the original Kern Co. local- ity. The rare Ranunculus canus. (Bentham) re-discovered a year or two since by Mrs. Bidwell at Chico, I tound this year, in a fine state, considerably better answering to the requirements of Bentham’s description, on hills near Antioch. In this locality only, and it must be approximately the original one of Hartweg, has the foliage of the plant all that abundance of gray, or whitish silky pubescence which suggested the name of the species. The Chico plant is, in this respect, less unlike R. Deppei, (Nuttall) or what has wrongly been called R. Californicus. In our standard treatise on Californian botany above referred to, the note on Stachys Chamissonis, (Bentham) is this: ‘“‘Wet grounds; common around San Francisco Bay.” I have wondered that, in all my years of botanizing in the familiar region named, I could never meet with this plant. It is common enough in its. The Late Professor Baird. 207 locality, which is the wooded region at the northern base of Mt. Tamalpais, the oceanward not the bayward slope; and the size of the plant is remarkable, far above that ascribed to it in the book. © I saw few specimens so low as five feet, most of them measuring | ten or twelve, and some more than that. Campanula exigua, (Rattan) first detected by that author on the top of Mt. Diablo, was shortly afterwards obtained on Tamalpais, by Mrs. Curran, and this year Dr. Parry has shown me a speci- men found by himself on a hill near Calistoga. Aatragalus pycnostachyus, (Gray) first collected at Bolinas Bay, thirty miles above San Francisco, by Mr. Bolander, in 1863, was not other- wise known until 1882, when Mr. Parish found it at Santa Monica, more than three hundred miles south of its classical habitat. In 1885, Mrs. Curran discovered a third locality for it, namely; in Santa Barbara Co. near the village of Santa Maria. Iam able to certify that it is still growing rankly in the original locality on Bolinas Bay, where I collected itin September just past. Although the land is now fenced and used as a cattle and hog pasture, the rare plant thrives unharmed; its strong nauseating odor being its protection no doubt. It must be poisonous, as many of its more familiar companions are well known to be. Edward L. Greene. THE LATE PROFESSOR BAIRD. We have received from Dr. L. G Yates a copy of his memorial sketch of the life and works of Professor Baird, recently read be- fore the Santa Barbara Society of Natural History. After enu- merating in brief, the various positions held by the deceased, the valuable collections made by him and the great services rendered by Professor Baird as well as the well merited honors and honor- able recognition which he received by virtue of his great ability and exalted character, Dr. Yates continues ‘‘it is impossible to estimate the influence which Prof, Baird has exercised in the development and advancement of the study and knowledge of natural history in its various branches. A few years ago collectors and students were almost entirely dependent upon the Smithsonian Institution * * * * for aid and information in relation to the collection and preserva- tion of specimens. The writer of this sketch received his first impetus in the study of conchology from a collection of shells made by the Wilkes and other exploring expeditions, which he received through the kindness of Professor Baird, and notably in the correspondence continued from the time when the writer, then a boy of fifteen years of age, received valuable aid and instruction from him. Up to within a very few years, nearly all the large number of letters received are in the Professor’s hand writing, and 208 The West American Scientist. not as is usual in such cases * * * where the body of the letter-is in the handwriting of a clerk, while the principal only sions fis name a". Future historians of American science will appreciate the labor and research ofa man, who, thoroughly qualified to fill the posi- tion he held, had the rare faculty of personally influencing his associates, and imbuing them with a portion of his self-sacrificing devotion * * * which combined with rare skill in organiza- tion and great power of continuous application have accomplished what few men could have done. , . , The death of no other individual connected with the govern- ment of the United States could leave so great a void, nor one so difficult to fill as has the death of Professor Baird. In his death the Smithsonian Institution has lost its best worker, and one who has done more than any other individual towards the carrying out of the intensions of its founder in making it an object of interest not alone to scientists of North America, but throughout the civilized world, and also to the general public. Its evident usefulness under his administration convinced politicians and statesmen of the necessity of fostering it and giving it such national aid and countenance as would enable him to make it the model institution of the world. He organized and built up the institution in such a manner that his successors may, with perfect safety, follow out his methods,” | GAABAD: DESTRUCTION. (OF BIRDS: The New York Times states that on a recent morning there were 1300 dead birds at the foot of the statute of Liberty on Bedloe’s Island. They had dashed themselves against the light during the night. These birds were flying south to escape the cold. There were a hundred different species represented among the dead. The largest bird was a Canadian woodpecker and the smallest a humming bird. It is expected that thousands of birds will perish because of this great light, which can be seen at a dis- tance of thirty-six miles. The number of species given above is probably greatly ex- aggerated. The San Francisco Chronicle gave the following report: Professor Ridgway, curator of birds at the Smithsonian Institu- tion, says the specimen birds which were sent to him from New York, where they were found dead near the Bartholdi beacon light, are nearly all of the species known as ‘‘ warblers.” They are insec- tivorous. These birds are night-migratory in their rmovements, and thousands have been attracted from ali directions by the brilliancy of the light and killed by flying against the glass. He says scientists fear the destruction will be so great that the species will become extinct before many years. He also reports that Great Destructicn of Birds. 209 there have been found a great many crows and wild ducks near the Washington monument. They fly at dawn when the mists are thick, and are killed by contact with the monument, which is hidden in the clouds. He also reports that great numbers of wild geese have been noticed flying over the city. This, he asserts, is an infallable indication of an early and severe winter. On the morning of October 14th we found a mountain plover ( gialitis montanus, Cassin) at our door which had evidently destroyed itself by dashing against the electric | ght mast at our corner, 21st and J streets. On the two succeeding mornings we found several plover, two ducks, belonging to different species, and a wild canary at the base of the mast. | NOTES ON THE POWER OF SCENT IN THE SEXTON: BEETLE. In the summer of 1886, while on one of my collecting trips in Southwestern Iowa, I happened to kill a small specimen of the lizard tribe, and as I had not seen anything of the kind I started to take it home for further examination, but the day was warm and it decayed rapidly, so I threw it down beside the road and left it. The next day I had occasion to visit the same locality again, and glanced around to see what had become of the lizard. It was still there, but partly buried in the earth. Upon a closer examination, I found three Sexton Beetles at work upon it, digging under and around it. As I had heard a great deal about the power of scent in these insects, I resolved to try an experiment. I removed one of them about four feet from the lizard, with the wind blowing from the insect towards the dead lizard. All was quiet for a moment, and then the beetle arose with a buzz, and alighted upon the exact spot from which it had been taken. Thinking that the wind might have blown it there by accident, I again removed him about four feet away, at right angles to the direction of the wind, and it again returned to the same spot. One more trial, and it seemed to get out of patience at being tampered with and flew away. L. Rk. Lighion. LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS. C. G. Pringle, the enthusiastic botanical explorer, is operating in Chihuahua, Mexico, with good prospects for a large collection of new and rare plants. A postal from Cusi, dated September 6th, reports him in good spirits. The frequent rains have produc- ed an unusual growth of vegetation, and Dr. Edward Palmer, also botanizing in Mexico, reports the same favorable condition. 210 The West American Scientist. EDITORIAL. The Editor has had the pleasure this month of having the com- panionship of Prof. Robert E. C. Stearns, of the United States National Museum. Dr. Stearns visited his old- home at Berkeley, California, where he was connected for many years with the Uni- versity of California, and spent a few weeks at San Diego in the interests of the U. S. Geological Survey, witn which he is also connected. He has returned to Washington, D. C., with data re- lating to thirty localities in this county where fossil remains have been found, togethes with fifteen boxes of specimens, mainly fossil shells, collected in this city, of which we hope to give our readers a report in the future. A large number of very interesting and valuable papers are at hand, and for which we have to thank Professors W. G. Farlow, T. H. Lewis. Wm _ Trelease, Robert E. C. Stearns, Geo. G. Groff, Drs, C. C. Parry, R..W. Sh»feldt, J. G. Cooper, G. W. Barnes, Messrs. E. Hiltebrand, G. W. Lichtenthaler, the Bancroft Co., Chas. P. Guelf and others. AMONG THE MAGAZINES. Sz. Nicholas for October is the last but not the least excellent number of the current volume. A charming story by Miss Alcott, with which it opens, lends strength to the hope that there are ‘more to come” in the new year of S?. Azcholas. .The-present story is entitled ““An Ivy Spray.’’ It is a kirmess story, and it tells in a strong, helpful style how a brave girl danced her way to happiness. Dr. C. Fred Pollock, author of several medical works, and a prominent physician of Glasgow, Scotland, begins in Zhe Chau- tauguan for October, a series of articles on physiology, which are to continue through the year and form a part of the Required Reading of the C. L. S. C. Original drawings by the author add much to the clear understanding of the subject. The frontispiece of the October Century is a striking portrait of: Harriet Beecher Stowe, engraved by T. Johnson from a photo- graph by Sarony. This protrait is apropos of a paper by James Lane Allen, entitled ‘‘Mrs. Stowe’s ‘Uncle Tom’ at Home in Kentucky,” which recounts the life of the Kentucky slave of the old time, in a series of typical scenes, pointing out some consider-. ations which it is thought should qualify Mrs. Stowe’s point of view. The illustrations, by Mr. Kemble, drawn from life, repro- duce characteristically the epoch which Mr. Allen describes. A sketch is also given of the mistress of that time and her round of duties. A Glance at Books. PIT A GLANCIOCA TURBOOKS. SCIENTIFIC METHODS OF CAPITAL EXECUTION. By J. Mount Bleyer, M. D. J. Fitzgerald, Publisher, 24 East 4th St., New York. Price, ten cents. Whether the capital execution of criminals is or is not a measure necessary for the defense of the community may be an open ques- tion: with regard to.the barbarousness of the method of, doing malefactors to death by strangulation, there can be but one opin- ion. It is indeed a brutal, and in very many instances a bungling performance. The present treatise shows how a capital sentence may be executed ‘‘ decently and in order,” and without shocking the humane sentiments of the community, by invoking the aid of electricity, or by the administration of sundry chemical agents, as morphia. prussic acid, chloroform, etc. In an appendix is given a striking essay by Park Benjamin on Capital Punishment. MINERAL ANALYSIS, by Prof. G. G. Groff, price, 40 cents. This little work is designed as an aid to teachers and others in recording the physical and chemical properties of minerals. Ad- dress the author at Lewisburg, Pa., the blanks wili be found very useful and convenient. NOTES AND, (NEWS. Chas. E. Stone, Spencer, Mass., has the honor of being the frst life subscriber to THE Wrst AMERICAN SCIENTIST. Aylmer Montgomerie intends to travel for a considerable time in South America, and also proposes to become a life subscriber to this magazine. G. W. Lichtenthaler expects to be in San Diego again this winter, and to increase his fine collections of shells and alge. B. W. Evermann is reported as making collections at Guaymas, on the east coast of the Gulf of California, and Walter Bryant as also collecting on the gulf shores this season. A fine living example of a Mamillaria cactus from the plains of Canada has been received from Mrs. Rosa Smith Eigenmann, who, with her husband, is now pursuing her favorite studies at Cambridge, Mass. COMKR TES Ye How sweet and gracious, even in common speech. Is that fine sense which men call courtesy; Wholesome as the air and genial as the light, Welcome in every clime as breath of flowers, It transmutes aliens into trusting friends, And gives its owner Passport round the elobe. James T. Fields. 212 The West American Scientist TELE: RES TLESS SEA: O, the sea, the restless sea ! Emblem of humanity ! Where’s the oil to still the waves? Check their making watery graves? High the billows toss and roll , Low the liquid shallows stroll, Like the human seas of earth, Wild with sad or joyous mirth. Heaving, tossing, never still, As the surging human will Follows the receding wave, Surging to a lonely grave. So do people in their wrath, Travel in an unknown path, Leading to the very brink Where tire fatal depth would sink. E’en the most substantial boat, Sailing windward or afloat, Sailing east or sailing west, Change they find, but never rest.—ZL. AZ. Smith. “Le Naturaliste Canadien,” 32-page, 8-in., illustrated monthly. $2.00 A Year. The only publication in the French Language, on Natural History on this continent. It is actually pursuing a revision of Hymenoptera with descriptions of several new species and the history of Hemiptera of the Province of Quebec. Address: L’Abbe Provancher, Caphrouge, Q., Canada. POR FN -C LOW Tha Men’s Furnishings, a TELE: LL TO-N ee TAKES THE LEAD. | Carrying the Largest and Best Assorted Stock in San Diego County. Almost any known article in wearing apparel worn by the male sex can be_found with a certainty, and the prices and styles are acknowledged *‘ correct.”’ KUHN, WURZBURG & CO., Proprs. FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING, . SAN DIEGO, CAL, The West American Scientist. CHANCES TO SWAP! Notices inserted in this column for five cents per line for each insertion. Only exchange notices accepted. American—especially Californian — and European shells, botanical and other specimens from Connecticut and other localities, to exchange for books and papers on botany, conchology, micro. scopy, entomology, etc., or for other specimens. G. R. J.UMSDEN, 54 2d St., Norwich, Conn. Books wanted by the editor. Shells, seeds, plants, or subscriptions to this magazine offered in return. Back vol- umes of scientific periodicals or any liter- ature relating to the Pacific Coast desired, especially works on botany or shells. Will exchange four different U. S. postal cards for every foreign one. All offers accepted. Also, a genuine ‘‘ Mael-Stone’’ valued at $5.00, for a stamp album worth at least $2.50. One without stamps pre- ferred. Box 9g, Davidsburgh, Pa. A fine brass blow-pipe to exchange for Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, Vol. I, of The Naturalists’ _ Companion. Alden Loung, Owego, Tioga fo, N.Y. A collection of fossil ferns, flags, insects, cones, seed-pods, fish, etc., to exchange a forsale. J. G. Wainwright, Waukegan, A rare mineral for every one hundred neatly written names and addresses. Any number taken. C. Haddaway, Easton, Md. Various natural history papers, Hoosier Naturalist, 3 nos. Sunny South Oologist, ete., to exchange for coins, minerals, Indian relics or stamps. W. P. Arnold, Shannock, R. I. Harry B. Booth, 25 Northfield Place, Manningham, Bradford, Yorkshire, Eng., wishes to exchange with American col- lectors in ornithology and oology. A. Ran dall. curios, fossils and woods, A. T. Randall. Collection of birds’ eggs for one of curios, Indian and mound relics, etc. Arthur B. Roberts, Weymouth, Medina Co,, Ohio. Birds’ eggs’ in sets or single, for num- bers of Naturalists’ Companion. C. B. Johnson, Redwing, Minn. Calcite, Petrified wood, selenite, stalac- tite, red granite (used exclusively in the construction of the capitol at Austin), fossil and recent shells and eggs for min- erals, coins, stamps, shells, eggs, sea- Glen Stearns, Georgetown, Texas. Dnrbins’ Catalogue (14th edition), Naturalists Companion, Vol. 1, No. 2, 50 vars. stamps, and philatelic papers for birds’ eggs. Write first. H.R. Sharples, box 1968, West Chester, Pa. Gray’s First Lessons in Botany, copies of Boston Journal of Chemistry, Ameri- can Naturalist, and other natural history papers and books, for Indian relics, min- erals, curiosities, stamps, etc. J. H. Mer- rill, Wenham, Mass. Wanted: rare, single eggs, not more than one of a kind; will give good ex- change in rare sets with data. Geo. H. Selover, Lake City, Minn. Odd numbers of Waturalists’ Compan- zon, and other natural history papers, 5 cents each, or in exchange for coins, stamps, or specimens of any kind. C.R. Orcutt, San Diego, Cal. WaNTED. Bee Books, Bee Journals, old ones for new scientific books. Geo. G. Groff, Lewisburg, Pa. A large number of very fine books for offers. W.S. Beekman, West Medford, Mass. Birds’ eggs for others not in my col-- lection. Mrs. L. Abbott, Ravenwood, Ill. Coins, stamps, books, and papers for offers in poultry. Frank L. Boll, 15. Mon trose St.; Rochester, N.Y: N. Kennedy. RANDALL BROS. & KENNEDY, Sop PTs ipsa rap Staple and Fancy Groceries, Queensware, FIFTH ST., opp. First National Bank, Sep Sper colee (oe as Please Mention this Mavazine. T le est American Scientist. GUION, HAMILTON & HARTLEY, keal Estate and Loan Agents, Cor; EK and Sixth Sts. SAN DIEGO, CAL. NN. B.—Mr. Guion’s six years’ experience as Deputy Assessor en- ables him to impart reliable information concerning the country. HAMILTON & CO. SAN: DIEGO. CAL. Dealers in General Merchandise © A SUPPLY STORE FOR FARMERS and FAMILIES. Ba AU nee We handle the products of this county, and ask for orders for Honey,Beeswax SanDiego kaisins,Lemons, Oranges, Etc. Please mention this maguzine in writing to advertisers. | i The West American Scientist. —_Trres—— Golden Era Magazine ESTABLISHED IN 1852. The Only Illustrated Literary Magazine in the West, STAFF OF WRITERS: Rose Hartwick Thorpe, Joaquin Miller, Madge Morris, Jesse Shepard, Earl Marble, Callie L. Bonney, R H. Bonney, R. H Fletcher, Clarence J. Urmy, W. F. Clarke, Harr Wagner, P. W. Mayrott, BitCin utee Subscription, - . $3.00 per year. Single Copy, - - - : 25 Cents. GOLDEN ERA CO., San Diego, California. THE GOLDEN ERA is the best exponent of California Literature and Resources. Th Cheapest Illustrated oo: + 3 Literary Magazine Published, ~eTHE + BUDGET 3- DEVOTED TO MENTAL AND MORAL , CULTURE AND THE ENTER. TAINMENT OF ITS READERS. The World’s Condensed Cyclopedia is sent free as a premium, SUBSCRIPTION, - $125 PER YEAR. AN EXCELLENT ADVERTISING MEDIUM. Address THE BUDGET PUB. CO. Marysville, Cal. LORA OF SOUTHERN AND LOWER California. A Check-Li t, of the flowerine plants, ferns, lichens and marine algae. By C. R. Orcurt. Price, 25 cents. SAN DIEGO). imate, Topography. Provue- 1 tions, etc. By DoveLas Gunn. 78 pp. with nap, 25 cents. NOTES ON MOLLUSKS of the vicinity of San Diego, Cal. . and Todos Santos bay, Lower California, by C. R. OrcurtT, with comments by Dr. W. H. Datu. With plate. Price, 265 cents. WEST COAST SHELLS. sorte + JOSIAH Keep. Beautifully illustrated with key, Biographical Index, Glossary, Check List, Ete. 230) pages, hand- somely bound in cloth. ‘he frontispiece is a hand painted engraving of the rare and beautiful Surcula Carpenteriana. Price, $1.78. CO. R. ORCUTT, San Diego, Cal. 4 Mention this Magazin>. ~ DUJARDINS JI FE: ESSENCE Is a combination of Pusspinbus, Albumen, Pro- togon, Lime, Soda and Iron, which act on the Brain, Nerwes and Stomach, increasing the appetite, assisting Digestion, Curing Dys- pepsia, inevery form, Headache, Neuralgia, Insomnia, General Debility, Want of Vi- tality, Nervous Prostration and Impo- tence. In Hysteria and Epilepsy its effects are magical. In Consumption its nutritive qualities are beyond comparison with other preparations. Its action is shown by the increasing strength and weight of the patient, and the less of cough and night sweats. It is a brain, nerve, and life giving tonic. Price, $1.50 per bottle. BS-For SALE BY ALL DRUGGISTS. ose GILLOTT 9 Steel Jews FOR ARTISTIC USE in fine drawing, Nos. 659 (Crowquill), 290 and zor. FOR FINE WRITING, Nos. 303 and Ladies’, FOR BROAD WRITING, Nos. 294, 389 and Stub Point, 849. FOR GENERAL WRITING, Nos. 332, 404, 390 and 604. Joseph Gillott & Sons, 91 John St., N.Y, HENRY HOE, Sore AGENT, Sold by ALL DEALERS throughout the World. Gold Medal Paris Exposition, 1878. 170, A. WENTSCHER, GENERAL COMMISSION FORWARDING AND SHIPPING. San Diego, Cal. THE CONCHOLOGIS [S EXCHANGE monthly publication devoted to Conchologists van and their interest-. Scientists generally will find it to their interests to subscribe to this paper as ‘Exchange’ columns are provided for the disposal of Shelis, Scie it:‘fic specimens generally, and Books. Subscription price, Vo!. lI, 50 cents; sample copy on application Address, WM. D. AVERELL. Editor and Pubiisher, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. SEND FOR CATALOGUE OF THE ACME MICROSCOPES. Clearance Sale! Calalcgue and sample copy of the Muicro- scopical Bulletin free JAMES W. QUEEN, Manufect’g Opticians, PHILADELPHIA. YY The West American Sctentrst. Davie's Egg Check List = AND -—— KEY TO THE NESTS AND EGGS ——0F——. North American Birds. or dee GS CNT ae ee Revised and Enlarged. Illustrated by Theodore Jasper, A. M., M. D. This work has taken a. permanent place in the liter- ature relating to the Nesting Habits of our North American Birds. It contains accurate descriptions of the Color of the Eggs and size of the Nests of all the Land and Water Birds known to breed in North America, No Oologist or Collector of Eggs c:n afford to be without this work, and it takes the place of expensive works which are usually beyond the reach of many collectors. What Others Say of It: I consider it a valuable contribution to ornithologi- cal literature. It should be in the hands of every collector.—Thomas G. Gentry. I must say the illustrations are beautiful, and true to life. You deserve great credit for getting out such a book. Itis the only work of the kind | have ever seen that exactly fille 1 the wants of the Egg Collector. C. Davis. : You have made a most useful little book, one that every young collector (and many who are not young) ought to have.—B. W. Everman. ; $1.00 PRICRARGMA 288 aba Pers “ “With this Magazine one year, 1.35 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST, 1880-Large New Ills, Catalogue for 1886 Minerals, Fossils. 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Y Munn & Co. have ATENTS. 228573: ®Eight years’ TE practice before the Patent Office and have prepared more than One Hundred Thou-~ sand applications for patents in the United States and foreign countries. Caveats, Trade-Marks, Copy-rights, Assignments, and all other papers for securing to inventors their rights in the United States, Canada, England, France, Germany and other foreign countries, pre- pared at short notice and on reasonable terms. Information as to obtaining patents cheer- fully given without charge. and-books of information sent free. Patents obtained through Munn & Co. are noticed in the Scientific American free. The advantage of such notice is well understood by all persons who wish to dis- ose of their patents. 4 Address MUNN & OO.. Office SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, 361 Broadway New York. AMERICAN Monthly «Microscopical Journal. A periodical for all who use micro- scopes either professionally or as amateurs. ‘“‘T am much pleased with the Journal and have received much valuable information,” “JT learn many new things f om it. and I am sure that it is the case with all who read it.” 42 Specimen copies sent free on application. EDITOR, BUSINESS MANAGER, HENRY L. OSBORNE, Ph. D., RUFUS W. DEERING, Lafayette, Indiana. Washington, D. C. this magazine in writing to advertisers. a, fae» ~z) ron ~ Cee. ae as ae se en) Re Sees _ a ~, = md The West American Scientist. 9 | a Lame SAR pe a on FE BUY YOURSELF A HOME AWAY FROM THE SEA Av ESCONDIDO! And the following are a few ofthe many substantial reasons why you should do so: because, It has special advantages tending to the perpetuation of life. Located 12 miles inland from the sea, at an altitude of 700 feet, the ocean breezes passing over the land losea great portion of their humidity before reaching Escondido, while the heat of the earth over which they pass has a great influence in imparting a warmth and balminess to the atmosphere. This is noticed by every one visiting the town. It is this balmy air and higher air which is exercising such a powerful influence in building up a city and securing home-seekers for the lots aut I, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 8o acres tracts embraced in the Escondido town site and ranch. Because, its altitude secures for it almost double the annual rainfall of the immediate coast, while the still greater rainfall in the mountains near by causes an unfailing supply of running water under the soil and close to the surface. Because it has a rich soil, that will produce oranges, lemons, limes, guavas, grapes and all the fruits of the temperate zone, as well as semi-tropical fruits, which can be grown almost without care in the rich red loam which is spread over valley and plains. Because its soil will produce all of the ordinary fruits and vines without a particle of irrigation, and the evidence is here to substantiate this statement. Because its location is superb in all that constitutes grandeur of natural scenery. The situation is in every respect desirable and delightful for residence purposes, and there is no spot in the world better adapted for the relief of persons suffering from pulmonary diseases and goneral debility. Because it will te one of the great educational centers of Southern California A fine college is now being built, and is to be pushed rapidly to completion. It will be under the auspices of the University of California, which insures its permanence and influence. Because Escondido homes will have fruits and flowers every month in the year, this being assured by the most even temperature which the world affords, consequently they will possess all of the attractions which make life desirable. No saloons. All deeds con- tain a clause prohibiting the sale of spirituous liquors. 5 Because it is now, and must always remain, the very stronghold of health, exhilarating air and comfort in summer, and a pleasant retreat from cold and disagreeable winters. Because, by the first day of January, 1888, Escondido will be one of the Pacific Coast terminal points of the great Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad system. Because Escondido, for climate, soil, water, scenery, location, and a commanding com- mercial situation in the interior, stands wholly unrivalled on the great Pacific Coast. Further information can be had at the offices of the Escondido Land and Town Co,, in Escondido and San Diego. W. W. THOMAS, Supt. J. R. THOMAS, SEc. GAN DIEGO LAND ot TOWN COMPANY This Compaty cffers for sale in tracts to siut purchasers 40,000 Acres of the Choicest Fruit Lands on the Continent In 20 and 40 Acre Tracts, Also near National City, on Motor Street Railway line, 5-acre tracts for HomEs, with ample supply of pure, cheap soft water, Business and Residence Property in San Diego and National City, These iands lie adjacent to the Bay of San Diego, Convenient to Towns, Markeis, Schools, Churches and Railroad facilities, For profitable and successful cultnre of Oranges, Lemons, Apples, Grapes, Pears, Peaches, Apricots, Olives, and an endless variety of other fruits, besides Gardening, General Farming, Raisin, Wine and Grape Growing, these lands offer advantages not found elsewhere, and will be sold to Actual Settlers at Low Prices and on Hasy Terms. The Company also offers for sale Lots and Blocks in National City, Cal., the Paciflc Coast Terminus of the Southwestern Railway System This part of the Pacific Southwest, favored with a perfect climate, soil of unsurpassed fertility, unexcelled natural adventages, is destined to rank first in wealth and population, For Maps, further particulars, and full information respecting the advantages offered by this part of Southern California, address W. G. DICKINSON, Supt. San Diego Land and Town Company, National City, California, Please Mention this magazine. The West American Sctentist. F.R. WETMORE & CO. AGENTS, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, Have earned the reputation of being the most thorcughly reliable Firm in all their dealings in REAL ESTATE. We have the Finest FARMING LANDS, in large and small tracts, in all parts of the country, suitable for every kind of Farming, Fruit Growing and Grazing, and at prices to suit every individual. The The Best Choicest Tracts Business Plocks IPS and Lots Capitalists ; in and San Diego, Colontes with Wood and Water National City, in and abundance elsewhere. \ Beautifully improved places for Country Residences, Suburban Homes and City Dwellings, Handsome Grounds, Fine Orchards and Groves of Tropical Fruits. SOR PR. Pi PSR Rea MONEY TO LOAN IN ANY QUANTITY. As Bankers, we are prepared to make Loans for non-resident and other Depositors on first mortgages tn any sums, We take charge of Property, pay Taxes, Insurance, ete, for non-residents. OQORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED. Mention this magazine. => FF Se el te in Soe ee Sar a yore ree eae > NOVEMBER, 1887. Wee St. THE t + American « Scientist ‘ ae wf ive" 4 -. u 7 ' ) P. oh ; Nee pal ‘% A Popular Review and Record for America. ce Official Organ of the youn Diego Society ” f of Natural fiistory. gs > ade C.R. ORCUTT, - EDITOR ; pias CONTENTS: ta Breet petany, Wheto ls eee TOF. Ls, Gee Valeo en's om doc 213 ng fen Francisco Mittescopical Society... oii Se ae de de ee 215 ag Hotel del Coronado .......... Disc clade eWeek sites © A Bec e's be tat 2a7 | M : Notes from Colorado.......... postop easels ae T. D. A. Cockerell......./ ary v Fossil Ferns...... ee eee Na pea ed O. D. Walbridge ...... .. 217 1a Great Age for F ‘ae APO R SRW Uisel. OM MMeLE RG LOLA ic Uc MieMela es ob ae 218 a WA MATe TOL WV OUNGS. «<2 occ ce ns viscera s oele etree eanme, *! we piarerhega 218 t Pemereness Of Clouds... c2- .ostsecsosecams Fis» Saeiec ie >», ME the ene 219 ie ) )-Editorial....:. Bic We SE SERCO It OR ggne yy, epee 219 mi MGlance at Books...... ....00ss0060 02 TE a eee St EEL 219 ke Semmenaie tie, Mar amines, «i jinx dai as sdhib edie aces shia nncelPiuveldde ed's 220 SI rie Ply DOMME cloaks ve ces «nose URGleuie ncsakes 00 ob enue cue bnchy 221 | “The Restless Sea “A Poem,”........+40¢- L.M. Smith....... Seay ef cave’ std eg were: SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. 4 . eehsaghe bog Cents; $1.00 a Year in the United States and Canada, oy oa “-« Fer Great Britain, Five Shillings. ow. P, COLLINS, Agent, 157 Gt. Portland St., London. [Entered at the Postoffice at San Diego aa hebeni: class matter.] . Sal : Cares mies = =e ¢ Oe ee ee ee eee aa . ie ETT = j application. Address, ? 78 pp. with inap, 25 cents. WM. D. AVERELL. Editor and Publisher N of the vicinity of Sam Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. NOTES ON MOLLUSKS Diego, Cal., and Todos. Santos Bay, Lower California, by C. R. Orcutt, with. comments by Dr. W. H. Dau. With plate. Price, | J. McINTOSH & CO. | ee in Red Rubber Stamp Works, WEST COAST SHELLS. 5222: EEP. Beautifully illustrated with key, Biographical ROOM 11, SHELDON bLOCK. Index, Glossary, Check List, Ete. 280 pages, hand- ; f somely bound in cloth. ‘lhe frontispiece is a hand San Diego, Cal. painted engraving of the rare and beautiful Surcula Stencil Plates, Steel Stamps, Badges, Se’f-Inking, | Carpenteriana. Price, $1.75. ‘ Dating, Pocket and Pencil Stamps. C. R. ORCUTT, San Diego, Cal. a a A. Rand Jl. A. T. Randall. N. Kennedy. RANDALL BROS. & KENNEDY, DEALERS In Staple and Fancy Groceries, Queensware, FIFTH ST., opp. First National Bank, SAW DiEaSso, CAZ, Please Mention this Magazine, Every Student of Nature should ott b West Ame Neal Noles “THI SWISS CROSS.” Science. Organ of the Agas-iz Association; Edited by the = ie z », | President, Harlan H. Ballard. Beautifully illustrated Ba ecis.ed ly the Best of its Class. simple, p :pular in style, reliable and accurate. ; Sample mailed for 10 cents. $1.00 a year. $1.50 a year. rssued monthly, The West American Scientist, pe wae WEST ANGERS CEL ior ’ é : ress, San Diego, California. AN Dixao, CALIFORNIA, The West American Sctenttst. FE ESSENCE Is a combination of Phosphorus, Albumen, Pro- togon, Lime, Soda and Iron, which act on the Brain, Nerves and Stomach, increasing the appetite, assisting Digestion, Curing Dys- pepsia, inevery form, Headache, Neuralgia, Insomnia, General Debility, Want of Vi- tality, Nervous Prostration and Impo- tence. In Hysteria and Epilepsy its effects are magical. In Consumption its nutritive qualities are beyond comparison with other preparations. Its action is shown by the increasing strength and weight of the patient, and the loss of cough and night sweats. It is a brain, nerve, and life giving tonic. Price, $1.50 per bottle. eB@-For SALE BY ALL DRUGGISTS. Steel Jews {FOR ARTISTIC USE in fine drawing, Nos. 659 (Crowquill), 290 and zor. E WRITING, Nos. 303 and Ladies’, 170. IFOR BROAD WRITING, Nos. 294, 389 and Stub Point, 849. JFOR GENERAL WRITING, : Nos. 332, 404, 390 and 604. Joseph Gillott & Sons, 91 John St., N. Y. HENRY HOE, Sore AGENT, Sold by ALL DEALERS throughout the World. Gold Medal Paris Exposition, 1878. AMERICAN | Monthly Microscopical Journal. A periodical for all who use micro- scopes either professionally or as amateurs. ‘**} am much pleased with the Journal and have received much valuable information.” “TJ learn many new things f:om it, and I am sure that it is the case with all who read it.” Ra Specimen copies sent free on application. IDITOR, BuSsINESS MANAGER, HENRY L. OSBORNE, Ph. D., RUFUS W. DEERING, Lafayette, Indiana. Washington, D. C. THE SAN DIEGO UNION. Persons wishing accurate information respecting the Southern part of California should subscribe for Tue Union. Sample copies sent on application. bi \FOR FIN TERMS: THE WSEKLY UNION. THE DAILY UNION. One Vet eset. cee. $3.00 | One Year........- $10.00 Six Months....,.. . 1.50} Six Months....... 5.00 Three Months...... .75 | Three Months..... 2.50 One Month......... .25 | One Month.... ... 1.00 Address, THE UNION, San Diego, Cal. NTIFIC AMERICAN ESTABLISHED 12846. SClE The most popular Weekly newspaper devoted toscience, mechanics, engineering discoveries, in- ventions and patents ever published. Every num- ber illustrated with splendid engravings. his publication furnishes a most valuable encyclopedia of information which no person should be without. The popularity of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN is such that its circulation nearly equals that of all other papers of its class combined. Price, $3.20 a year. Discount toClubs. Sold by all newsdealers. MUNN & CO., Publishers, No. 361Broadway, NoOWe . Munn & Co. have also had Thirty- ® Eight years’ practice efore the Patent Office and have prepared more than One Hundred Thou= sand applications for patents in the United States and foreign countries. Caveats, Trade-Marks, Copy-rights, Assignments, and all other papers for securing to inventors their rights in the United States, Canada, England, France, Germany and other foreign countries, pre- pared at short notice and on reasonable terms. Information as to obtaining Bars cheer- fully given without charge. and-books of information sent free., Patents obtained through Munn & Co. are noticed in the Scientific American free. The advantage of such notice is well understood by all persons who wish to dis- pose of their patents. ‘Address MUNN & C©O.. Office ScIENTIFIC AMERICAN, 361 Broadway New York. ee ———— Tara—— ‘OPEN, COUR A Fortnightly Journal, Dev ited to the work of establishing Ethics and Religion upon the basis of Se ence. 169-75 LA SALLE STREET, Chicago, Ills. B: F. UNDFRWOOD, Editor and Manager. SaRA A. UNDERWOOD, Assistant. Editor. The object of this Journal is to substitute rational thought on the subject of religion, for traditon and and superstition; and with this view, it secures the ablest writers of the old world and the new, as con- tributors. Among those who write for the “Open Court” are: -Max Mueller, Richard A. Proctor, Albert Reville, — Daniel Greenleaf Thompson, (Professor in College of France,) Prof. Lester M. Ward, John Burroughs, Thos. Davidson, Alfred H. Peters, Dr. Felix L. Oswald, W. J. Potter, F. M. Holland, Ednah D. Cheney, Dr. S. V. Clevenger, ‘Theodore Stanton, M. J. Savage, Moncure D. Conway, Prof. Henry C. Adams, Geo. Jacob Holy- oake, Edmund Montgomery, W. L. Garrison, Jun., Gen. M. M. Trumbull, Prof. W. D. Gunning, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Annie Garlin Spencer, Clara Lanza, Hefatia bradlaugh Bonner, W. M. Salter, Dr. Paul — Carns, J. W. Chadwick. TERMS, $3.00 per year. OPEN COURT. P. 0. Drawer F, Chicaga, A. WENTSCHER, GENERAL COMMISSION FORWARDING AND SHIPPING. San Diego, Cal. 1888-Large New Ils, Catalogue for 1866 Minerals, Fossils. Indian Relies, | Buckskins and stone, Sioux, Apache, etc. Oregon and States Stone Relics in large quantities. L. W. STILLW ELL, Deadwood, Ww.T. | ‘ —— Address, Ills a > ae a SAN DIEGO LAND Tt The West American Scientist.” 2.000. ACRES. =) BUY YOURSELF A HOME AWAY FROM THE SEA AT ESCONDIDO! And the following are a few ofthe many substantial reasons:why you should do so: because, . It has special advantages tending to the perpetuation of life. Located 12 miles inland aie ty tei ee ho a Ny tae _from the sea, at an altitude of 700 feet, the ocean breezes passing over the land lose a great portion of their humidity before reaching Escondido, while the heat of the earth over which they pass has a great influence in imparting a warmth and balminess to the atmosphere. This is noticed by every one visiting the town. It is this balmy air and higher air which is exercising such a powerful influence in building up a city and securing home-seekers for the, lots oat I, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 acres tracts embraced in the,Escondido town site and ranch. Because, its altitude secures for it almost double the annual rainfall. of the immediate coast, while the still greater rainfall in the mountains near by causes an unfailing supply of running water under the soil. and close to the surface. i Because it has a rich soil, that will produce oranges, lemons, limes, guavas, grapes and all the fruits of the temperate zone, as well as semi-tropical fruits, which can be grown almost without care in the rich red loam which is spread over valley and plains. Because its soil will produce all of the ordinary fruits and vines without a particle of irrigation, and the evidence is here to substantiate this statement. ’ . Because its location is superbin al! that constitutes grandeur of natural scenery. The situation is in every respect desirable and delightful for residence purposes, and there is no spot in the world better adapted for the relief of persons suffering from pulmonary diseases and goneral debility. Because it will be one of the great educational centers of Southern California A fine college is now being built, and is to be pushed rapidly to completion. It will be under the auspices of the University of California, which insures its permanence and influence. . Because Escondido homes will have fruits and flowers every month in the year, this being assured by the most even temperature which the world affords, consequently they will possess all of the attractions which make life desirable. No saloons. All deeds con- tain a clause prohibiting the sale of spirituous liquors. Because it is now, and must always remain, the very stronghold of health, exhilarating air and comfort in summer, and a pleasant retreat from cold and disagreeable winters. Because, by the first day of January, 1888, Escondido will be one of the Pacific Coast terminal points of the great Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad system. Because Escondido, for climaté, soil, water, scenery, location, and a commanding com- mercial situation in the interior, stands wholly unrivalled on the great Pacific Coast. Further information can be had at the offices of the Escondido Land and Town Co,, in Escondido and San Diego. W, W. THOMAS, Supt. J. R. THOMAS, Séc. Bank Block. Escondido. St. James Block, San Diego. WN COMPANY This Compaty offers for sale in tracts to siut purchasers 40,000 Acres of the Choicest Froit Lands on the Continent In 20 and 40 Acre Tracts, Also near National City, on Motor Street Railway line, 5-acre tracts for Homes, with ample supply of pure, cheap soft water. Business ‘and Residence Property in San Diego and National ‘City. These lands lie adjacent to the Bay of San Diego, Convenient to Towns, Markets, Schools, Churches and Railroad facilities, For profitable and successful culture of Oranges, Lemons, Apples, Grapes, Pears, Peaches, Apricots, Olives, and an endless variety of other fruits, besides Gardening, General Farming, Raisin, Wine and Grape Growing, these lunds offer advantages not found elsewhere, and will be sold to Actual Settlers at Low Prices and on Hasy Terms. ‘The Company also offers for sale Lots and Blocks in National City, Cal., the Pacific Coast Terminus of the Southwestern Railway System This part of the Pacific Southwest, favored with a perfect climate, soil of unsurpassed fertility, unexcelled natural advantages, is destined to rank first in wealth and population. For Maps, further particulars, and full information respecting the adyantages offered by this part of Southern California, address WwW. G. DICKINSON, Supt. San Diego Land and Town Company, National City, California, Please Mention this mregazine. The West, American Strutt. © 2 2 1 Te eg VS aes OES iy ; 4 Ne x WE BaVE THE FINEST CLIMATE IN THE WOSLO. cet ESTABLISHED 1685.— ee ia Members of the San nee Real Estate Exchange. : : i a Gi i | sll ) Brokers, ie Moneys received on ier a) a on first mortgages ng | _ well secured. : Very choice Inside and 3 : Corner Lots in all parts of the City, for __ business and residences. ’ Outside Suburban man or woman’ meshes ~ REAL ESTATE % places from for the man of : A GC £ N rT c } good princi- ples, small ». means and a of means; beautiful small i am desire for a home. mB MARK ei Our large tracts are a few good ones left. ee ope Our Beautifully Mlustrated Book on San Diego City and County, (price $1.00), is now about ready. Send for it and mention this eect ia F. R. WETMORE & CO., 13 & 15 E STREET., opr. ‘First Natlonal Beak. wante. ——" ay Soe oe Sa. Homes for the five acres : up, : very scarce, but we have - DECEMBER, 1887. CONTENTS: _ “Reminiscences of.a Naturalist, I............R. E. C. Stearns.........223 _ A few Words to the Young Ornithologists of Pee A RIMST TINA. LUC Ca Win oust d'g a's dlo'e Wace Rss OLGING oss 02 wan sie oe Bey TNA TCO BUR. ra wielsy oie ad eae ieee abe oe nwa. «> vee sacmglatre baie. ow IO Bee SAID PAM Loe ens dja cis wea cenie toy Re Orcuttie. 4 Lenvease 233 AIT INOWS terres ns 62s aire: ‘a nln risen mine ces seus sogetna des caged 235 - AFew Common Minerals and Rocks.......G. G. Groff............++236 _ To find the Capacity of Water Tanks.......Josiah Keep............-237 _ Description of a New Hemilenca...........W. G. Wright............238 Pee STOUT OL COleCHON ois '.\ 44). Vain sie oie eeleee sede ule volane on oxen @SQ PUREE PEBGOCISEVOEL, Stl FOCIIEOS cabia/iss cisisc ce s s'es'e ow 'ascnwcliew vale gem RhO Ones MME TAD CHL re wructlg wie) i «nih 0 sa dln’ 0h oieie nc dain e'e win 5 « suwibieyare. scciniata pe DAE Oe How the Platypus MASA Wicca Lice eral Rea aiuleed Liang ond. deer at ate dence eile aie ae DepMe RIG PCSUPTOCtION PiGMt 2 ./s:5 01a wei o's id sie siadieao nina oo dia'sinulvio ewclet tems sade yap nrir: ent eer mr Stephin Bowens es asia Spee OlleeHne PHP. 51045. -+- 6. wesc eee oH. Re Taylors ica. vee ee 2a Paci Hoosier Hy 5 an Weanaga lal a An st CR sad Ges aa ragem pea, tag AMMEN 7 IRC Coc. lee ge aL UN Pe EEN Li te aciewle Morne nie da va kG Among the Magazines......:....... VA Deesichhse «sss « single SMM K OTe erate eS mae EM NCNE AES TCC ert Liss o's dialgsc le buleie Cow dels a 9 a+: ain giaeethen alana ig SG ETEOBIEVONANCE IS1A0G). 6 og oc ich ols ele a ong olamem een sce essacclateys veweey dg OMA 6 ho. 06 oe aside a o.0'n'y s Smee oie! cole uly y's o'a = sia san'e Sipieln'y h old nisisio A 25O 4 | Cour GRCU LS, b.c>, PUBLISHER, ie SAN DIEGO, - - - . CALIFORNIA. a} ae - Price, 10 Cents. {Bntered at the Postoffice at San Diego as‘second-class matter.] Horst ACID PHOSPHATE, (LIQWVID.) A preparation of the Sua sp that is readily ape by the 2 aims ESPECIALLY RECOMMENDED FOR Dyspepsia, Mental and Physical Exhaus- tion, Indigestion, Headache, Nerv- ousness, Wakefulness, Im- paired Vitality, Etc. Preceanaes selaiiad He Pistisinhs of all schools. It combines well with such stimulantsZas are necessary to take. It makes a delicious drink with water and sugar only. For sale by all druggists. Pamphlet free. Rumford Chemical Works, Providence, R, I. Beware of Imitations. APH.) > X zi (PHOTO! uv} Lal = © A © 4 < rca) al =) re LOWER CALIFORNIA. THe West Auemeay SereNnTIST. Vou. Til. DECEMBER, 1887. No. 32 REMINISCENCES OF A NATURALIST, BIOGRAPH- WAL ETC He who has reached the meridian of life, finds himself at times looking back and surveying the path he has followed, as a traveler who has reached the summit of a hill, looks back from his eleva- tion and traces the course of a river, through the valley or across _ the plain he has just left behind. He sees in the distance some peculiar point, some place of restful peace where he halted at noon, some dell or dingle that tempered the sunlight, a clump of flowers or group of trees, beautiful in color and form, that lifted his thought and spirit above toil of muscle and weariness of limb. He recalls the singing of the birds and the music of the waters, and the voice of the stranger he met upon the way. Sometimes these wayside meetings led to pleasant acquaintanceship and lasting friendships. Memory’s note book is full of leaves whose pages have never felt the touch of pen and ink, but which nevertheless are crowded closely with remembrances of men and things and circumstances, incidents of contact, due to the movement and currents of the stream of human activity and intercourse, in which all are more or less involved. According to the mood and temper of the moment of contact, as well as to the character of our tastes and predilections, are the character of our remembrances and the permanence of these 1m- pressions or memories. THOMAS BRYDGES, BOTANIST. Among the many men whom I have met whose personality in many ways was congenial to me was Thomas Brydges, or Bridges, the botanist, par excellence, though he took much interest in other directions in natural history. Brydges was born in Eng- land, and while a young man, if I remember rightly, studied bot- any for a while under the direction of Sir William Hooker at Kew Gardens. Sir William was, as the present Sir Joseph Hooker is, a distinguished botanist. Bridges married a niece of Hugh Cuming, the famous ‘conch- ologist. Cuming was a cabinet maker or carpenter by trade, 224 The West American Scientist. who became so much interested in the study of shells that he gave up his business, bought a vessel and went forth on a grand scale to collect these beautiful forms. He visited the west coast of South and Central America, and cruised among the coral islands of Polynesian waters, and farther beyond to the Phillippines, where he made a wonderful collection of the remarkable land shells of these islands, and so on until he returned to England, and the Cumingian collection of shells became the most famous of any in the world, and continued to beso regarded for many years. Upon Cuming’s death, it was purchased by the British Museum, and is now a part of that great national collection. Many of the shells (duplicates) are in other collections, the result of exchange directly or indirectly with Cuming himself. Thus the magnificent collec- tion of Dr. Wesley Newcomb, now the property of Cornell Uni- versity, contains many of the Cumingian shells; so, too, with the Dr. Isaac Lea and the Stearns collections in the United States National Museum at Washington. It was quite natural therefore that Brydges should become some- what interested in conchology, and give some attention to this class of natural forms. Sometime after his marriage, Brydges removed to South America and established a botanical garden and nursery in the vicinity of Valparaiso, in Chili. His garden was located upon the bank or in the immediate vicinity of a stream. Unfortunately, a devastating freshet occurred and swept it away; this was about all the property he had, and he found himself in such a pecuniary strait that he was compelled to look about for some means by which he could support his family. He obtained orders to collect for the Zodlogical Society of London, for many private persons. as well, and set forth on this work, no doubt, with his usual enthusiasm. It was while he was thus engaged that he explored the Bolivian Andes for plants, mammals, birds and shells, and in the pursuit of these came across that wonderful and magnificent lily, the Victoria regia, in the midst of one of the mountain lakes: of the region named. While relating to me the circumstances of his discovery, he remarked that no one but a fellow naturalist could conceive of his feelings. His emotion at the sight of this beautiful plant as it appeared on the placid surface of the forest- rimmed lake, in every stage of development from bud to. full expansion of flower, were almost beyond control. | Brydges was not, however, the first discoverer of this queen of water lilies. But it was from the plants, bulbs or roots obtained by him that the first specimens were grown in England in special ponds made expressly for the purpose. and multitudes of persons were thus made acquainted with this. remarkable botanical species. The discovery and sight which met Brydges’ eyes, as he beheld the gorgeous array before him, of countless numbers of the Victoria regia in blossom, and its great leaves with their turned up edges, Ge ee eee ‘{~ Remuiniscenses of a Naturalist. 225, Hoating upon the surface of that Bolivian lake, with many of the peculiar birds of the region, also new to him, standing upon the surface of the great pads. were to him, as a botanist, perhaps, as much a wonder and delight and as much of a crowning glory to his heart, as the discovery of America was to Columbus, or the Mississippi to De Soto. I will not here relate all he told me, as to the devices and methods adopted by him for transporting in safety the treasures he had found, from the lake to the seaboard and thence to England. How his face lighted up as he rehearsed the pleasures and triumphs of that season! But it was not all pleasure or unalloyed triumph. For a long while zfter his return to his native country, he lay at the point of death with an abscess on the liver, the result of his living in the tropics, but his temperate habits, wirey constitution and the unremitting care of his wife, and attention by the best medical skill carried him through safely, and after awhile he was able to take the field again. I remember, also, upon one occasion, with how much feeling he described the remorse he had experienced, the sense of criminal wrong that oppressed him and made him unhappy for some time, and at many times after, the killing of a female monkey. The poor brute, so human in rnany of its motions, had at the time a baby monkey in her arms, and the distress of mother and child was so essentially human in its manifestations that he never thought of it without a degree of pain. The monkey was a rare ‘species, particularly desirable for that reason, to complete the collection ot either the British Museum or the Zoological Society, I have forgotten which, and it was to fill this commission that he ‘committed an act that he afterwards regarded as nearly akin to murder. Brydges also collected quite largely, specimens of birds, but as my special study in natural history caused me to take greater interest in the molusca, I have better knowledge of the shells he collected than of other forms. His field work in this connection, included not only the. air- breathing or land snails, but also marine and fresh-water species. The peculiar Bulimi of the Atacama desert in Chili, as well as of other portions of the great area included in Peru and adjoining South American States, were obtained by him in great numbers, and one species was named in his honor by the distinguished author Pfeiffer. The marine shells of the South American Coast from Chili northward to and including the Bay of Panama, yielded a large return to this indefatigable worker. _ Brydges afterward made his home in California and resided a part of the time in Oakland and then in San Francisco. It was ‘during this period of his life, that we became acquainted, and I frequently enjoyed the pleasure of his company. 226 The West American Sctenttst Though of tough and wiry build, he was rather a delicate than strongly framed man. He was of. good height and of refined and rather sharp-cut features ; his complexion was somewhat dark or sallow, the result, in part, of out-of-door life, and his nearly black hair lay upon his head in short doylocks or half-curls. He was somewhat reticent and diffident in speech and manner, with a quiet, unobtrusive, gentlemanly manner that was quite attractive. During his residence in San Francisco, and after my acquaintance with him, a natural history expedition to Nicaragua was planned and he left his family and friends in good spirits upon what was destined to be his last excursion. He collected various material in the way of plants, birds, shells, &c.; these came safely to port, but the hand that collected them all had forgotten its cunning and the eye that detected their beauty had lost its power of vision many days before these collections were received. He died off Acapulco, while on the steamer, upon his return, and his friend Captain Blether, who was in command of the vessel, rendered the last sad service that the living can bestow upon the dead. The tropical fever that before had nearly ciaimed h m as its victim, finally triumphed, and this ardent lover of Nature and genial companion and friend thus passed away from earth. In- stead of being buried at sea as is usual where death occurs so far away from the home of the deceased, and where the disease is of such a character, his friend, Captain Blether, had the remains prepared so as to admit of their being delivered to his family and friends and of sepultureon land. This, as near as I can remember, was in the year 1864, and Brydges was about 55 years of age. The occurrence of his death, and the service he had rendered to science and mankind, were properly recognized in an appropriate memorial paper by Mr. W. H. Dall before the California Academy of Sciences, and suitable resolutions were adopted on_ that occasion. . Brydges never published the results of his field work, in fact, never essayed authorship. The information he obtained he freely imparted to others for the public good. Of the material collected by him in Nicaragua, the shells only passed under my notice. These were in some respects quite im- portant, and included a large number of specimens of several species of fresh-water mussels of the groups Unio and Anodonta. Several of these forms were new and were described by the late Dr. Lea, of Philadelphia. Two fine, large Anodontas were named respectively A. Jewettii and A. Brydgesii, the former for Colonel E. Jewett, another friend, and the latter in honor of the collector, the chief subject of this reminiscence. In moist places, springs. and pools upon the forested slopes of Mombacho, he collected fresh-water snails in considerable abundance, principally of the genera Planorbis and Physa. Reminiscenses of a Naturalist. 227 Of the Brydges’ South American, Panama and Nicaraguan collection of shells, ample series of these, now form a part of the Newcombianand Stearns colletcions,and many duplicates have been distributed by me in the course of years, and give increased value to the various collections in this country and Europe, of which they form a part. In connection with the foregoing, I should mention the explor- ation by Brydges of the ancient cemeteries or burial places of Chiriqui during his collecting tour in South America. Though not particularly interested in Ethnology, he was curious enough to investigate some of the peculiar dome-shaped graves in which he observed the bodies were plac d in a sitting posture. He obtained many interesting and rare pieces of pottery, earthenware, shaped so much like similar articles found in old Peruvian graves as to indicate that the Chiriquians were of the same racial stock. Some years afterward, these ancient graveyards of Chiriqui, so old that trees of immense size may be seen growing between and out of the graves. suggesting a forest in which the dead were buried, rather than a subsequent sylvan growth, these old graves were ransacked by gold hunters, who were stimulated by an occasional find of quaint whistles and toy-shaped articles of the purest gold. Brydges found earthen articles of the same general character, but, so far as ] am aware, none that were made of the precious metal. With a few exceptions, the Chiriqui pottery was purchased after his death by the late Caleb Lyon, of Lyonsdale, N. Y. One piece was given by me to the National Museum and a second is still in my possession and cherished as a souvenir. Rh. EC Sears A FEW WORDS TO THE YOUNG ORN/THOLO- CAS OF) CALIFORNIA. Having had fair success in collecting wherever I have followed this very pleasant vocation, I will say that whatever success I have had was partly due to skill with a gun, experience in the field, good eyes, but more than all, to the patient use of field glasses, with which I selected my birds, usually identifying a bird before I shot it. instéad of shooting, as many collectors do, everything that comes within range, and “identifying the victims afterward. The coilector should know what to look for and when and where to look for it. The experience of preceding collectors should be studied and also descriptions of unknown birds which are likely to be met with. This adds greatly to the pleasure of collecting. I have never killed many birds of any one species, almost invariably taking only such as I thought necessary for studying different forms. 228 The West American Scientist. Dr. Coues, the distinguished ornithologist, has said in his new key I think, that fifty specimens of each species is not too much for each collection, but to me that number seems a wanton waste of bird life In most cases five or six specimens are enough to put a good new species or a good variety on a firm basis, and two or three specimens are usually sufficient for that purpose. Of well established species, a pair, showing the adult male and female spring plumage, is often enough for a private collection, but besides these, the winter and juvenile plumages are usually desirable. . In addition to these the moulting stages are in some cases important. Albinistic, Melanistic and other abnormal plumages have little or no scientific value. Possibly, the former results from disease. To ascertain the value of some local and doubtful forms. a good series is required. Nearly all of our birds which are non- migrants, vary more or less at the extremes of their ranges, and a few local varieties may still be discovered. Accidental visitants may be expected, but new species are not likely to be discovered in California at this late day. In making exchanges, preference should be given to Pacific Coast collectors, for you need a specimen, at least, of each species of our land birds, if not of the water birds also. Do not waste time in exchanging for foreign birds simply because they are pretty. Do not expect to make a fortune by collecting, and, you may as well be indifferent to fame. If you love nature as you should your reward for making a collection will be ample. You should have examples of all of the West Coast Polioptilas, Vireos, of the three species of Car- podacus, male and female, a good series of the confusing Melospizas, Zonotrichias, and of the Savanna Sparrows, which have been removed from the genus Passerculus to that of Ammodromus. You also need specimens of the three Red- winged Blackbirds, but more especially of the female gubernator and tricolor. An example, or more. of each of our small Tyrant Flycatchers should be in every collection for the good reason that very few collectors on this Coast can separate them. Specimens of Selasphorus rufa and S. alleni are needed for comparison. I can safely say there is not a good study collection of bird skins from Bhering Straits to Panama, and such a collection is much needed at some central point, at the California Academy of Sciences, for instance. Try to identify all of your specimens. If you are unable to identify a specimen with an hour, a day, or week of study in connection with it, be not discouraged, for time spent in that way is far from being lost. Half of the pleasure of collecting is derived from the ability to identify from descriptions. With Volume rt of California Ornithology you should be able to identify nearly all of our land birds. That is the only work on birds that I possessed for a year or more after I began to collect, To Young Ornithotogists of California. 229 : about ten years ago, and during that year or more I correctly identified very nearly all of our land birds, the most of which I had not previously known. Volume ix Pacific Rail Road Reports is still (A.D. 1887) a standard valuable work, having the same descriptions. by Prof. Baird, that are found in California Ornithol- ogy. Volume 1, but with fuller explanations and comparisons. The splendid work of Baird, Brewer and Ridgway, in five volumes, contains in the last two volumes, much valuable informa- tion concerning Pacific Coast water-birds, from the pen of Dr. J. S. Cooper and others. You should visit all sorts of localities in search of specimens, and do not fail to explore the denser forests of the Sierra Nevadas. But little work has been done in the higher Sierras, between latitudes 35° and 38°. Mr. Henshaw, of Wheeler's Topographical Surveys, was on and about Mount Whitney in October, 1875 or ’76—too late to find all of the sum- mer residents. With this exception, I know of no one wbo has collected birds in the higher parts of this region, excepting at its extremities. If you have never seen the Water Ouzel, and all that that 1m- plies, you can well afford to undertake a journey to these moun- tains. I think this bird does not go as far south as San Diego County. Possibly new species may be found between latitudes 35° and38".. Y You are quite certain to find the rare Syrnium occidentale and the rarer Scops flammeolus, at about 5000 feet altitude. ~ When you are out moonlight nights looking for these owls, do not forget your field-glass. If a California Lion (Felis concolor) a short distance from you, surprises you with its characteristic screams, make a note of it. You will remember those peculiar screams even if you have a bad memory and an indifferent ear for music; but, as Dr. Merriam in JZammatls of the Adirondacks, ex- presses doubt of their screaming at all, you will do well to record some of the circumstances connected with the screams, for example, if your hair ‘‘stands on end”’ say so; or, if otherwise, state other- wise, unless you are entirely bald. If, at the time, you are alone up in a tree, watching a deer lick as well as collecting owls, do not be in a hurry to get down and go to camp if you are a mile or more from it, and the route to it is through the pathless woods with plenty of undergrowth. Any motion on your part might frighten your lion away. I can say, in all seriousness, there is no grander excitement than that afforded by collecting alone in a dense forest where large game is abundant. Te get the best re- sults, the collector must be silent and listen, and if he is near a deer lick, and on the ground, a position on the lee side of the lick should be selected. This in summer in the Sierras is almost invariably the west side, the wind then blowing, usually, after sun- set, from the mountain’s top toward the hot San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys. 230 _ Lhe West American Scientist. The nomenclature of this hastily prepared ariicle may be some- what mzxea, as I have not the recent A. O. U. Check List, or any other book by me for reference. Nov. 20, 1887. L. Belding. CALILORATA “ROCK |}, SALT, The regular meeting of the San Francisco Microscopical Society, November gth, 1887, was well attended ; Prcsident Ferrer in the chair, and C. P. Bates, Secretary, pro tem. Doctor Douglas. Montgomery and Doctor Kahn of San Francisco, were elected regular members. A sample of Mono lake water was handed in by Dr. Mouser, and was referred to Mr. Paysant for the determination of crusta- ceans living in it. The paper of the evening was by Mr. Henry G. Hanks of San Francisco, concerning California rock salt, as follows: Some months ago I received some fine specimens of rock salt from Mr. J. S. Cook of San Bernardino County, which I found very interesting, and at the same time I was impressed with the importance of such salt to our State and to the Pacific Coast. But press of other business caused me to lay the matter aside for future consideration. Lately my attention has again been called to this very interesting subject, and I have discovered certain peculiarities in the mineral that I trust will be as interesting to the members of this society as they have proved to me. Like the very best quality of rock salt, this mineral occurs in blocks of the utmost transparency. It is quite easy to read print- ing through a cube several inches in thickness. Some pieces are as clear, colorless and free from mechanical impurities as ice from distilled water, frozen in a vessel of porcelain. Others contain some foreign matter which does not enter into the composition of the salt. When dissolved and filtered the solution is_ perfectly colorless, and on applying the usual chemical tests, without ob- serving sufficient care to detect minute traces, the salt is found to. be almost absolutely pure. The fact that in a somewhat moist at- mosphere it does not deliquesce is an additional proof of its chem- ical purity. Some pieces transparent and colorless, melt at a red heat on platinum foil without decrepitation to a transparent and also color- less fluid, which retains its transparency when cooled. Other specimens show faintly opalescent lines meeting each other at right angles. If such a specimen is held at a certain an- gle in the sunlight, a multitude of reflecting surfaces like imbed- ded spangles may be seen which glimmer something like aventu- rine, or glow like a sun-stone. It may also beseen that while the faint lines meet at right angles, a dividing line forms a miter like the corner of a door panel. Such a specimen, when heated to. California Rock Salt. 237 redness, explodes with great violence, so much so, that the ex- periment is one of considerable danger if the eyes are not pro- tected from the minute flying cubes into which the larger one is broken by the explosion. On obtaining these very interesting results, I naturally appealed to the microscope, our favorite instrument, for the cause of the violent decrepitation, in one case, and quiet fusion in the other. Nor did I seek in vain, as I hope to be able to show you this even- ing. I found the phantom lines and reflecting spangles to be mi- nute cavities in the anhydrous salt, all of the same general form but varying in size from those so minute as to be scarcely visible under a two-thirds objective, to others that can be examined in detail. The cavities are box-shaped, mostly square but some- times slightly oblong. They are generally from four to six times as broad as they are deep. All the angles are rounded, and all the lines marking the sides of the cavities curved, just as we saw others some months ago while examining the beautiful diamond from Amador. Both these minerals crystallize in the same sys- tem. All the imbedded cavities are empty. You may search them over and not see a particle of inclosed matter. But on the sur- face, where the walls are broken down, they may be seen partly filled with the debris of the crushed salt, which proves that they are actually cavities and not illusory. It having been proved that the salt contains only traces of water, it may be inferred that the cavities are filled with a gas or with atmospheric air. Otherwise it would be difficult to account for the explosion when heated. On examining the salt after heat- ing, it was found that the transparency was not materially im- paired, except at those points where the box-like cavities were shattered by the escaping air under pressure. They had lost their beautiful form and had become irregular, roughly globular cavities, filled with broken fragments of salt. In every direction from the shattered cavities the substance was fissured and fractur- ed, showing the great force exerted by the escaping gas or air. It is a mystery how these beautiful cavities could be formed in so hard and anhydrous a substance as rock salt. After actual food and water. sait is one of the most necessary requirements of man and animals, and it is a question if a healthy bodily condition could be long maintained without it. Salt is also largely employed in manufactures and the arts. Rock salt is not always so pure as the specimens shown you this evening. In England it is colored red by the oxide of iron it contains. It is also sometimes contaminated by clay and sand, and often by imbedded associate minerals, as gypsum, anhydrite, borax, glauberite and others; still it is seldom, if ever, so impure as salt made from seawater, for which reason it commands a high- er price. It dissolves more slowly than the more impure varie- 232 The West American Sctentist. ties, which property fits it for certain purposes and uses in the arts. Pure salt does not deliquesce except in a very moist at- mosphere. Salt obtained artificially contains various impurities which im- pair its value. These impurities are generally magnesia, gypsum, bromine and iodine, with much organic matter, while rock salt is free from them. This has led to the theory that seawater takes its salt from beds of rock salt, instead of rock salt being deposited from the ocean’ This theory is strengthened by the fact that rock salt is sometimes absolutely anhydrous. While inferior salt may be extracted from brines found in nearly all countries, rock salt is rather rare. It occurs in very large de- posits in England, Poland, Hungary and Germany. In the high mountains of Chili it is met with at an elevation of g900 feet above the sea level. In Spain, 16 leagues from Barcelona, there is a mountain of salt three miles in circumference and 500 feet high. It is quite pure. No gypsum is found with it. This mineral has been found also in considerable quantities in New South Wales. It has long been known that rock salt existed in very large quantities in Nevada and Arizona. On Holt’s map of California and Nevada, published in 1876, a deposit in Lincoln County, Nevada, is described as being five miles long and 600 feet high. This locality lies 53 miles, by the scale of the map, a little west of north from Callville, on the great bend of the Colorado river. Some years ago I examined specimens and found them to be very ure. 7 : In Cleveland’s ‘‘Mineralogy,”’ published in 1816, I find a state- ment that, ‘‘rock salt is found in California in very solid masses.’’ The writer probably referred to the peninsula of Lower Cali- fornia. In the sink of the Colorado desert in San Diego County, de- posits of salt have been discovered, and are rather extensively worked, but this salt is probably the result of the evaporation of the waters of an ancient inland sea, cut off from the great ocean by the delta of the Colorado river, or by an upheaval of land, gradual or otherwise. The water, under the influence of the sun and the dry climate of the locality, became less until a resulting small lake of concentrated sea-water finally diied and left the de- posit of salt. This is a good theory until a more thorough study of the deposit is made. It is now covered by silt and debris washed down over it during many winters of rain-storm and cloud- burst. | The associate minerals often found with rock salt have also great value. Chloride of potassium in very large quantities 1s ex- tracted from beds overlying the salt deposits at Stassfurt, in Saxony. Some idea of the quantity may be inferred, when the statement is made, that, in 1863-64, 400 tons of carnallite were raised. The yield increased annually until 1875, when the pro- ~~ a). eo California Rock Salt 233 duction was 494,414 tons. -Carnallite contains theoretically 26.88 per cent. of chloride of potassium. Ifa deposit of this character should be discovered in connection with one of our great salt deposits, its importance to California and the Pacific Coast can scarcely be estimated. Mr, Hanks illustrated his essay with specimens which were ex- amined under the microscope, and found to bear out well the de- scriptions in the paper. The study of the specimens led to an in- teresting discussion of the subject. .Among the donations to the society’s material, were two speci- mens of diatomaceous earth from William Irelan, Jr., State Min- eralogist.. One was impregnated with asphalt, and was from the mouth of Dos Pueblos creek, near Naples, in Santa Barbara County, and the other was from Shasta County. The specimens were referred to Mr. Riedy and Dr. Riehl for examination and report. Edward J. Wickson, Recording Secretary. A SHARP FAMIL Y—THE CACTUSES.—1. The cactus family contains many of the most singular and _ grotesque productions of the vegetable world. The flowers of many are of the most gorgeous coloring; of others, the most deli- cate and beautiful known either to botanists or horticulturists. There is no end to the varied and striking forms of these plants, which Raron von Humboldt declared to be ‘as characteristic of _ the new world as the heaths are of the old... Some _ possess slen- der, graceful stems; others resemble a load of cord-word hastily thrown from a wagon—distorted in form, coarse and awkward in. habit. The Cereus giganteus, Fngelm, has a diameter frequently of three or four feet, towering to a height of thirty to sixty feet, sending out branches or high ‘elbows’—rising, like a huge can- delabra from the sands of the desert regions where it abounds. The pretty little Mamillaria*micromeris, is a top-shaped plant, three-quarters of an inch in height and half an inch in diameter, covered with a delicate lace-work that would be worthy of credit even from fairy fingers. — The larger portion of the species are found in exposed situations in countries where no rain falls for months at a time—in the most arid and desert portions of America, springing from crevices in the rocks. from the sands, or from_soil otherwise barren or seein-. ingly sterile. The family is characterized by the late Dr. Engelmann, in the Botany of California, as follows: ‘Green, fleshy and thickened, persistent, mostly leafless plants, of peculiar aspect; globular or columnar, tuberculated or ribbed, or jointed and often flattened, usually armed with bundles of spines from the ‘areolez’, which constitute the axils of the (mostly absent) leaves. Flowers with 234 The West American. Sctentzst. numerous sepals, petals, and stamens, usually in many series, the cohering bases of all of which coat the inferior one-celled many- ovaled ovary, and above it form a tube or cup, nectariferous at base. Style 1, with several or numerous stigmas. Fruit a pulpy or rarely dry one-celled berry, with numerous campylotropous seeds (without or with some albumen), on several parietal plac- ente.’ There are but few genera in the family, but over a thousand species are known, and new ones are being continually discovered in little known portions of this continent. The late Dr. George Engelmann, of St. Louis, Mo., has been the leading American student and author, and to him the world owes the most of its literature pertaining to this order. It is the author’s purpose to compile from various sources in this article, adding from his own notes, such matter as may be of popular interest, or as yet unrecorded. The collection of living cactuses in the Shaw Botanic Gardens, St. Louis, Mo., is the most important collection to a botanist in the United States. The collection of A. Blanc, Philadelphia, is the largest private collec- tion, while thet hird largest collection, in this country, is that of about five hundred varieties, lately sold to the Coronado Beach Co., of San Diego, by the writer, and now planted (in part) in one, of the parks on Coronado Beach. Several new species as yet un- described are in the writer’s private collection and herbarium. ANHALONIUM, ENGELMANN. The plants of this curicus genus are simple, tuberculated and spineless; the tubercles subfoliaceous, triangular and more or less groved. Flowers senile above the axis of the present year’s growth, medium sized, white, pink or rose colored. Seeds large, ANHALONIUM FISSURATUM. ENGELW. A Sharp Family. 235 black and tuberculated. Anhalonium fissuratum, Engelm. Cact , Mex. Boun. 75, is found on limestone hills along the Rio Grande, and is considered rare. The lower part top-shaped, the upper scarcely projecting from the ground, two to four inches in diameter, hemispherical or depressed and flattened, with five to eight rows of spirally arranged tubercles. Flowers central, an inch in diameter, petals rose or pink, stamens white, with orange-colored anthers. A. prismaticum, Sem., from the mountains in Mexico, is a beautiful species, 6 to 12 inches in diameter, pale glaucous green, the top surmounted with a dense wooly tuft. Tubercles in spir- als, triangular, 1% to 1 inch broad, 1 to 1% inches long, terminat- ing in an acute, terete point. F lowers large, petals in four rows silvery-white, stamens white or pale canary, anthers bright orange. : A.Williamsu, Neber, from the plainsof Texas and northeastern Mexico, is a singular plant, un- sought by those who desire only the beautiful in Nature. This unique and rare plant 1s not unlike a carrot in shape, 2% inches in diameter by 6 inches in height, of a dark glau- cous green, the top depressed and irregularly furrowed. Flow- ers pale rose or flesh-color. C. Ee Orci. A. WILUIAMSIT, NEBER, WOTES AND NEWS. ParILio RuTuLuS.—A new variety of this, from Nevada, is named in the Canadian Entomologist, for October, by James Behrens, after its discoverer, Herr V Ammon, of San Francisco. CaTOCOLA ELpa.—This is a new species, found at Portiand, Oregon, and also named by James Behrens in the Canadian Linton. olcgist for October. A. H. BRECKENFELD.—The San Francisco Microscopical Society loses an able recording secretary by the resignation of this gentleman, to whom this and many other journals have been indebted for regular reports of the proceedings at the semi- monthly meetings of this society. San Diego, we understand, is to gain what San Francisco has lost, as Mr. Breckenfeld intends to reside here in the future. The large autograph collection of the Jate Ben. Perley Poore, will be sold at auction this winter in Boston. The West American Scientzést. 236 ! ‘[RADUI=UW SYDOI=I"YOS AAV S19YIO []\ pley pasapIsuoo st sseps YIIBAOS [JIM YOY uatudads YW "TBLIAVS JO SYDOI *]RL19}VU BUO JO JSISUOD S[LIUT|Y —ALON “for 9D 310 UOJ] , 1 th, i DAISSP YN Aquieg ,. (UWI) d}IUOUNT peoiqno | intel ‘plas sJOOy auoN eee pure dAIsse]q MO|JOA, pley (ut) saqidAg | | © SSIPAOTOD ) | "SO9AO}S JO SSELSUIST UOTJDAIIp I e Py SOARd] ULY [| Pere | Jos (tu) SBOTIN ‘oyqieu se preg SP DDIM] SUOTIBIAIP Z a “ = ¥ Ipaey (tu) saedspjay ‘redspyoy as pue eon ‘zjzenb uleyuod auON | aes * * oe ,, (1) SayuRrsg ‘a1e[S Sulooy |paq 0} Arpnorpuadssad A EN ee ey, (4) Soqels "[BOD JO 93R[S ae Fh kak Ee 8 oo oe prey (4) systyos “yoo UOWWUOD ¥ J | peq 0} arpeseg - | DAISSP]A] of * yos (1) sopeys “A[Ipeod sseps syng ao | :, s]eys{19 "xO ee ot ty > yaty (Gh) eC) ‘OTQISIA pues JO SUTeIN) _ 93uOoN, DUON DAISSEY "4 » | paey (41) aUOISpUuRs ‘QUOJSOUN] UL SUTOA o}IY MA PaJJad ‘suoNsaip © iF jerpeyoqwoy y > hel Me Se LD MOLES) ‘QUO SOUT] 91nd St aque QUON| SaddSaAI3yq| DAISSE Aj SIO}OD []Y- Yos (4) QuOjsoUI’] ‘SHUVNAY ‘aOVAVAT ‘SGIOV HLIM| ‘WOU ‘MOTOD Bennet SHNVN ee ai eek) ees 28S ike Ua eT ee ‘SYIOY UN STVXHANIW NOWWOD NUTT 237 To Find the Capacity of Water Tanks. POND Se CAPACITY OF . WATER TANKS. Containing vessels are usually made in the form the frustum of acone. Tubs and pails, kits and tanks, pans and coffee-pots, all have the same general form, and are measured by the same gen- eral rules. Especially in this country, where so many tanks are annually built, is the frustum of a cone seenona grand scale. These tanks are usually set on a high tower, and are supplied with water pumped by a windmill. They are made of clear redwood lumber, and are strongly hooped with iron. When properly built they are water-tight, and they resist decay for many years. The top is several inches smaller than the bottom, to allow the hoops to bind firmly when they are driven downward. - Owing to their circular and tapering form, it is not so easy to calculate their capacity as it would be to find that of an ordinary box or bin. The rule of the arithmetics for finding the volume of the frustum of a cone is quite complex, and involves finding the area of two circles, the square root of the product of these areas, and other minor operations. An examination of the principles involved has enabled me to deduce the following simple rule, which [ trust will be found use- ful by all who have occasion to measure anything which has the form of the frustum of a cone. Even a barrel or cask may be considered as two tubs joined together, and the calculation will vary but little from the true capacity of the cask. The following directions and rule should be observed: Measure the inside radius, (half the distance across), both of the top and of the bottom of the tank or tub, and also find its perpen- dicular depth. Reduce the measurements. to inches. Multiply each radius by itself, and one radius by the other. Add the three products and multiply their sum by the depth. Multiply this product by the decimal .0045%, and the result is the capacity of the tank in gallons and decimals of a galion. For example: A tank measures 4 feet and 6 inches across the top, 5 feet and 4 inches across the bottom, and is 4 feet and 2 inches deep; how many gallons will it contain. OPERATION. Smaller radius=27 inches. Larger radius=32 inches. Depth=50 inches, 27 X27= 729 32 X 32==1024 27K 22 864 Total=2617 2617 X 50130850 ool 130850 X.0045 4==593.1867, Answer. of, 238 The West American Scientist. The capacity of the tank is therefore a little over five hundred and ninety-three gallons. Take another. A milk-pan is 14 inches across the top, ro inch- es across the bottom, and 3 inches deep; how many quarts will it contain? . lige oe Y FROM YTS OS! 7X7—49 ened ea, Ma Oo [™~ jn, fx,’ A knowledge of the actual capacity of tanks is often very desir- able, and in this easy way mere guesses may be verified, and dis- putes may be settled. Should any of my young friends, who are mathematically in- clined, be unable to find the reasons for this short rule, I shall be pleased to correspond with them. Josiah Keep, Mills’ College, Cal. DESCRIPTION OF ‘A NEV FENMILENCA. Hemilenca Californica, n.s. .Expanse, 6, 2.40—2.50; ¥ 92065 sas EOS Head, black. Antennz; 4, stem, brown, pectinations black; ? , wholly brown. . Prothorax, white. Patagia, white in front, overlaying longer hairs of white and black. Thorax, black, with tufts of rust-red hairs behind the patagia. Abdomen, black, with a few scattered white hairs toward anal end, and with white or sometimes yellow hairs in segmental spots on sides beneath; ¢ with large anal tuft of rust-red hairs, 2 with- out red tuft, but tip is hoary with short hairs of sordid white. Legs, femoral. with long, red and black hairs; tibiae, with fewer hairs of black and white. Wings, above and beneath the same; costa, dense black to apex, base, dense black becoming thinner, outer margin black, sub-dia- phanous, intermediate portion white, sub-diaphanous. When quite fresh, the wings are clear white and black, and rather opaque, but, with exposure, become sordid, yellowish and more diaphanous. Veins, all are honey-color. Discal spots, thin, black, touching costa, but separated from black base, and yet more widely from dark margin ; at the cross- vein, in fts center, is the lunule, narrow, obtusely angled, the an- Description of a New Hemilenca. 239 gle clean cut and pointing toward the head. Discal spots on secondaries, small, black, never with any lunule or central mark whatever. Habitat, Southern California. Types in Author's Museum. This species has been heretofore run in with H. Nevadensis, Stretch, but must be separated because of the red tufts on thorax, the white spots on abdomen beneath, the color of the nervules across dark margin, the angled lunules on secondaries, in all of which the differences are persistent and without intergrades. In- deed, there appears to be as great a difference between H. Calli- fornica and Nevadensis, as. between Nevadensis and the Eastern Maia. W. G. Wright. SAN BERNARDINO, CAL. TH Bee OOSLOF (COLE TION. R. B. Trouslot & Co., late publishers of Zhe Hooster Natural- tst, have recently made large additions to their private oological cabinets, by the purchase, through Frank H. Lattin, of the larger part of J. C. Maynard’s collection, all of Harry G. Parker’s collec- tion, all of F. M. Carryl’s collection, together with large lots from other collections from all parts of the United States. There were also two large boxes of foreign eggs. These are being listed, and all duplicates not desirable for their collection will be placed on the market. They also secured many large and showy shells, corals, curiosi- ties, etc., for their museum. There was an immense slab of bark from one of the mammoth California trees. Recent protective laws relative to the preserva- tion of these wonderful trees, will tend to make their bark exceed- ingly rare: It is undoubtedly the largest single chunk ever carried east. They anticipate also securing the only known set of eggs and nest of the Bahama Cuckoo. This set was collected by J. C. Maynard, and is figured in his ‘Birds of the Bahamas.’ The entire purchase aggregated $3350.00. Messrs. Trouslot & Co. can be congtatulated on securing so complete a series of North American eggs, which will be of great assistance to our associate editor, R. B. Trouslot, the head of the firm, in connection with his departments of ornithology and oology. We received a pleasant call recently from Dr. H. Mayr, of the Bavarian Forest School, with his bride, who spent a day at San Diego while’on their way to Japan. Dr. Mayr has been appointed to the professorship of botany 1n the University of Tokio. 240 The West American Scientist. AGASSIZ ASSOCIA TION, SAN JACINTO, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIPORAZA. PuBLIC SCHOOL. Nov. 4, 1887.—After the calling to order, and other routine business had been transacted, the President called upon each member in succession to bring his contribution to the day’s exercises. Each member, as his name was called, exhibited a mounted insect specimen, collected, classified and labeled by himself since the last meeting. Each of these specimens was ac- companied by a short essay, explaining and classifying the speci- men, giving in many cases detailed drawings of the insect as a whole and of its parts. These essays were all written upon uni- form paper, and were preserved by the Curator for future refer- ence. Many of the members also made large blackboard drawings with colored chalks to illustrate their essays. Some of the exer- cises were as follows: Milton Bates brought in a specimen of beetle and made a large drawing of its leg, showing the scientific name and use of each part.. Minnie Cree read an essay, calling attention to the value and attractiveness of Entomology , illustrated by a blackboard full of large drawings showing a hE insect in the larva form, the pupa form, and in its final perfect condition, a beautiful butterfly. Maud McCormick presented a fine specimen of wood borer with drawings on blackboard and paper. Charley Stoddard’s specimen was a grasshopper, very neatly drawn on paper in different positions, with detailed drawings of its parts. Thomas Fairchild showed a large green tomato worm—then ex- hibited the same in its pupa form——and finally called attention to a blackboard drawing, several feet square, of a magnificent moth, the perfect form of the same insect. This was considered’ to%be the finest drawing of the day. William Russell brought in and exhibited to the society a series of comic drawings of grasshop- pers, that excited much merriment. Miguel Estudillo brought in a butterfly, and created a great deal of amusement by describing the adventures that befell him while capturing it. Mr. Hyatt gave a short lecture, showing the difference between good specimens and bad ones, and explaining in detail the four forms of insect life. Mary Anderson explained the difference between butterflies and moths, and showed drawings of the scales on the wings of butter- — flies. Fichie Foot, Carrie Clark and Minnie Todd sang a song about the charms of ‘‘Gathering up the bugs from the green fields.’’ The secretary’s table, at the close of the meeting, showed a remarkable collection of insects to have been made in one place within the space of three days. Every one of the orders of insect life was represented. More than®50 specimens, belonging to more than 25 different species were there. The number of species from each order was as follows: Hymenoptera 4, Lepidoptera 9, Dip- _ tera 2, Hemiptera 3, Coleoptera t, Orthoptera 5, Neuroptera 1. The society was assisted in making its collection by several mem- > The Origin of Salt. 24I bers of the Intermediate departments, especially Una Atwood, Willie Cresmer, Albert Reinhardt and Ernest Jenkins. Carrie Bates, Secretary. Dr. Asa Gray, the renowned botanist, was reported December roth as very ill, and was not expected to live till morning. We hope to hear better news. LHe we kIGil OF SALT. This world was once a haze of fluid light, as the poets and the men of science agree in informing us. As soon as it began to cool down a little, the heavier materials sank toward the center, while the lighter, now represented by the ocean and the atmos- phere, floated in a gaseous condition on the outside. But the great envelope of vapor thus produced did not consist merely of the constituents of the air and water; many other gases and vapors mingled with them, as they still do to a far less extent in our ex- isting atmosphere. By and by, as the cooling and condensing process continued, the water settled down from the condition of steam into one of a liquid at a dull red heat. As it condensed it carried down with it a great many other substances, held in solu- tion, whose component elements had previously existed in the primitive gaseous atmosphere. Thus the early ocean which cov- ered the whole earth was in all probability not only very salt, but also very thick with other mineral matters close up to the point of saturation. It was full of lime and raw flints and sulphates and many other miscellaneous bodies. Moreover, it was not only just as salt as at the present day, but even a great deal salter. For from that time to this evaporation has been constantly going on in certain shallow, isolated areas, laying down great beds of gyp- sum and then of salt, which still remain in the solid condition, while the water has happened in a slightly different way with the lime and flint which have been separated from the water chiefly by living animals, and afterwards deposited on the bottom of the ocean in immense layeis, as limestone, chalk, sandstone and clay. Thus it turns out that in the end all our sources of salt supply are alike ultimately derived from the briny ocean. Whether we dig it out as solid rock salt from the open quarries of the Punjab, or pumped up from brine wells sunk into the triassic rocks of Che- shire, or evaporate it direct in the salt pans of England and the shallow salines of the Mediterranean shore, it is still at bottom essentially sea salt. However distant the connection may seem, our salt is always in the last resort obtained from the material held in Solution 1n some ancient or modern sea. . Even the saline springs of Canada, and the northern states of America, where the wapita love to congregate, and the noble hunter lurks in the thicket to 242 The West American Scientist. murder them unperceived, derive their saltness, as an able Cana- dian geologist has shown, from the thinly scattered salts still re- tained among the sediment of that very archaic sea whose precip- itates form the earliest known life-bearing rocks. To the Hom- eric Greek, as to Mr. Dick Swiveller, the ocean was always the briny; to modern science, on the other hand (which neither of those worthies would probably have appreciated at its own valua- tion), the briny is always the oceanic. The fossil food which we find to-day on all our dinner tables, dates back its origin primarily to the first seas that ever covered the surface of our planet, and secondarily to the great rock deposits of the dried up triassic in- land sea. And yet even our men of science habitually described that ancient mineral as common salt.— Cornhill Magazine. HOW THE PLAT YPOS BREEDS. This question is now satisfactorily settled. The platypus lays eggs, and Mr. Caldwell, Natural History Fellow of Caius College, Cambridge, has been credited with the honor of the discovery. Mr. Caldwell, though not responsible to any scientific body in this. country, was nevertheless good enough to appear before the mem- bers of the Linnean Society of Sidney, and verify his discovery. He exhibited the eggshells, made a statement, and answered all questions put to him. The eggs were round rather than oval, the shells hard and of a calcareous composition. Mr. Caldwell dis- sected over 600 female specimens before getting one with an ego in it. The female in which the egg was found had layed an ego just shortly before she was caught, and the embryologist, who had — suffered so many disappointments from a similar cause, feared that he was to be again doomed to disappointment; but such, how- ever, was not the case, for on dissection another egg was found, and then, and not till then, was this vexed question decided. It is no exaggeration to say that this is one of the most notable scientific discoveries of the nineteenth century. Students to the philosophy of Darwin are quite alive to the importance of this dis- covery, and it has been hailed with delight by Professor Mosely and many other eminent scientists. The platypus (Ornithorhyn- chus) has bridged the hiatus that hitherto existed between birds and animals; in other words, the most important. of Darwin’s “missing links” has been discovered, and the chain of connection between reptiles and man is now very nearly complete. Much credit is due Professor Liversidge, of the Sydney University, for the promptitude with which he cabled the discovery to the Royal Society, then sitting at Montreal; and I am personally much in- debted to that gentleman for kindness in furnishing me with Mr. Caldwell’s address and forwarding him my letters. I shall be very thankful to your correspondent, ‘‘Platypus,’’ if he will for- ward me those spirit specimens of platypus eggs to the Australian _ Aboriginal Fish Flooks. 243 Museum, Sydney. During my absence from Sydney, Mr. Ram- sey has kindly promised to take charge of all specimens that may arrive for me at the museum.—Australian Exchange. [The platypus, commonly known as the duck-bill, is found in Van Dieman’s Land and Australia. In its bill-like jaws, its spurs, its monotrematous character, its non-placental development, and its anatomy, it appears to be a connecting link between birds and animals.— /:d72/or. | 1A SOURRHCTION PLANT, This singular plant is really-one of the wonders of creation Imagine a bunch of withered looking, curled up shoots, brown, stiff, and apparently dead, resembling a bird’s nest. Place it in water, in half an hour what a transformation! The withered looking bunch has now opened and is transformed into a lovely patch of moss, entirely covering an ordinary plate. In its native habitat, when the dry season sets in, the plant curls up into a round ball and is wafted away by winds trom place to place, sometimes for hundreds of miles, when at last it reaches’a moist spot it gradually unfolds itself, makes new roots and thrives in its new found home. This sensitiveness to moisture is so great that even after the plant may seem dead it will open and close as if it were alive. -. AZ. Gilham’s Catalogue. Washington, D, C., was made the capital of the United States July 8th, 1792. ABORIGINAIZ’FISH-HOOKS. ' . BY STEPHEN BOWERS, PH. D. : Four years ago. the writer contributed an article which was published in Scéence on pre-historic fish-hooks, which he believes to have been the first description of the true aboriginal fish-hooks from this section of the country. Many of the specimens figured and described as ‘‘fish-hooks” are, doubtless, nothing more nor less than ornaments which were worn in the ears of the natives, This is true of Fig. 1, and possibly Fig. 2. The first was manufac- tured from haliotis shell, and the cut is the size of the original, which is true of all the specimens figured in this paper. It will be observed that the point of the ir specimen first figured comes so near the Yj shank that when the end of the line was looped upon it and cemented with asphaltum, which was universally the case, the space would be filled, and certainly it would be out of the question to hook it into the mouth of Figure 1. a fish. 244 The. West American Scientist. This may also be argued against Fig. 2. _But from the fact that Yet it 1 it was The sented doubly the latter specimen contains a barb, some archeologists claim that it is a fish-hook. s by no means clear to my mind that designed for anything but an orna- ment for the person. true fish-hook, of what is known as the Santa Barbara stock of Indians, is repre- in figures 3 and 4, and was manufac- tured from bone. Two slightly curved and pointed pieces of bone were tied ‘together at one end, the larger piece being used for the shank on which the line was Figure 2. fastened, and the shorter piece to pierce the mouth of the fish. Its form is similar to that still in use by the South-sea Islanders. and man- ufactured from the shell of the pearl oyster. Figure 5 ° represents a metal fish-hook which the writer found in an Indian grave on the Conejo plateau, in this (Ventura) county. The shank was fastened into an olivella shell which had been notched as represented in the engraving. The shell was, doubtless, designed to attract by its glistening and shiny appearance. Thespec- imen is somewhat restored 4 XG Figure 3. in the cut, the original having been eaten with rust, but is still sufficiently perfect to show the outline and character of the implement. ee a ee a a” ip tb ae i a ee A Collecting Trip. 245 On San Miguel Island, and in other places in this section, the writer has found the rude tools by which ornaments like Fig. 1 were made, and the specimens in various stages of development. The study of this kind of aboriginal work is invested with much interest. A seventy-five barrel oil well has just been struck in the Adams canon in Ventura County, by the Stuart & Hardison Oil Company. The wells are now producing about 300 barrels daily. .The company has about 80 miles of pipe-line carrying oil. Figure 5. Amor LECLING. TRIP. On June third, of last year, the writer arrived at Donner, Placer County, Cal., for a short collecting trip among the birds which breed on the high Sierra. The altitude atthe Summit is about seven thousand feet, and when [| arrived, there was still in places considerable snow. The Mountain Chickadee (Parus Montanis) is a common bird both but at Summit and at Blue Canyon. At half the elevation, where I stopped over one day, I found two of their nests at Blue Canyon, both of which contained youug. The _first one was in a natural hole in a dead and fallen tree, only two feet above ground. The nest was discovered by seeing the hole, and then I found it well nigh impossible to get her out again, for she resisted my efforts to frighten her from the nest with all the pertinacity of the species. The other nest was in a decayed stump and only about three inches above the ground. Both nests were of wool and other soft materials. During my stay in the mountains I found three nests of the rare white-headed Woodpecker (Xenopicus albolarvatus). The first set was taken at Blue Canyon, and was in a dead stump about eight feet above ground. It contained four eggs, with in- cubation commenced. The hole was about nine inches deep by four inches wide. The other two nests were found at the Sum- mit, and each had three fresh eggs. The holes were excavated in dead stumps about as high up from the ground as the first, and their dimensions were about the same: The difference in sizes of the eggs of the several sets was very noticeable, but I am not at this writing prepared to give the measurements. A nest of the white-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia Cucophrys) with three eggs, I found on the ground near a stream of water. It was built of dry grass and placed at the base of a clump of small willow trees. The nests of the Western Robin (Merula migratoria propinqua) and Blue-fronted Jay (Cyanocitta stellari frontalis), are often found built in the snow sheds. fT. Ki, Taylor; 246 The West American Scientist. THE TIOOSIER NATOCRALISS Mr. Lamson, of Valparaiso, Indiana, has received the permission, of the proprietor of THE WEsT AMERICAN SCIENTIST to issue from that plice a new monthly magazine as a continuation, and under the old name, of Zhe Hoosier Naturalist, a magazine formerly published by R. B. Trouslot & Co., who sold to the editor of this magazine the entire right and good will of his publication last July. We wish the new venture success, and trust that the news of the revival, under the old name but under new management, will be received with pleasnre by our readers, especially those who know 7khe Hoosier Naturalist of old. R. B. Trouslot, the former editor, w.ll probably assist on the new journal, but will continue his connection with this magazine. L:ditor. EDITORIAL. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our friends— our readers. In entering upon a fourth volume the prospects seein brighter than ever before, and we have to thank the many who have assisted us so liberally in the past for this pleasant state of affairs. We hope to continue deserving, in their eyes, of their contributions and good will in the future. We are especially indebted to Dr. C. C. Parry for editorial assistance the past few months, at a time when we were fully occupied with other work. Professors Josiah Keep, E. L. Greene, R. E. C. Stearns and L. Belding are among others to whom we owe at least this acknowledgment. Through the courtesy of the International Co. of Mexico, we recently paid a short visit to Todos Santos and San Quintin bays, Lower California. We left San .Diego on the little steamer, ‘Carlos Pacheco’. the evening of November rath, and arrived at Ensenada, on Todos Santos bay, the next morning, having had a very smooth passage. The next day we spent in search of a large tree of Rhus integrifolia, Nutt., there locally known as the ‘Mahogany tree’ on account of the dark rich color of the wood.. Large fields were found on the San Carlos me-as. and on the ‘Maneadero’, covered with a luxurious growth of this tree, and many were found from one to two and one-half feet in diameter. These trees were seldom found over twenty feet in height, the trunks rarely over four to six feet in height, and of probably a thousand and more that were examined not one was found free of branches on its trunk for a space of five feet, many branching out, from near the ground. The low oval bushes of Simmondsia Californica were seen every- where on the San Carlos mesas and on the ‘ Maneadero,’ about ten miles south of Ensenada, on Todos Santos bay. The young, fresh leaves are of a dull glacous green, but all the older—more Editorial. ) 247 mature foliage upon the bushes had turned to a brilliant orange— forming a most pleasing feature in the landscape, when viewed at a little distance at a season when flowers were rare. In the spring these same plains are clothed with gorgeous beds of blue Phacelias, various white and yellow flowers, and especially brilliant with the golden Eschscholtzia, and it was a pleasant surprise to find them brilliant in the fall with the equally showy foliage of this shrub. The other botanical aspects of the San Carlos mesas at this season were not of great interest, but a few particulars are worthy of note. Aplopappus orcuttil, Gray, was abundant (its original locality), but nearly done blossoming. Artemisia Californica, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Ephedra Californica (frequently covered with a dense growth of a fungus, peculiar to it), and occasional groves of the ‘Mahogany tree,’ formed the principal vegetation, except along the banks of little arroyos leading down trom the hills. Occasional clusters of cactus, buckeyes, Rhus laurina, etc., were seen, while along a ravine ‘yerba santa’ (Eriodictyon) was seen growing, and near it, a straggler or two from the hills of the Guadaloupe Island, Cypress; and other shrubs and bushes, the flowering ash, mock willow, etc. On the San Carlos bluff, overlooking the ‘Maneadero,’ I found several large groups of a new species of Cereus, known to the Mexicans ‘as cocha/, which I had found eighteen months before near San Quintin bay, in great abundance, which I hope to publish later, One little Saxifraga Parryi, Torr., in bloom on this mesa, should not escape notice. Returning to Ensenada on the 18th, I was in season to take the larger steamer ‘Whitelaw’ to San Quintin, where we arrived the following morning at 7 o’clock. Right at the nearly completed wharf, a rich bonanza awaited me. An exposure of a large deposit of fossil shells was found, extending for nearly a mile on either hand. The character of the bed is similar to that exposed at several points on San Diego bay, showing that their age must be nearly the same. The species found were mainly identical with those found in the beds at San Diego, with the addition of a considerable number of more southern forms. In several places, across the bay especially, were found places where the stratum was composed principally of what I consider to be Turritella Cooperi. On the other side of the bay the fossils were found lying on a bed of lava to which the oyster and some other shells were attached, while numerous broken fragments and pebb!es of lava were mixed in with the shells. Above all loomed up the two silent craters which had belched forth the huge mass of lava doubtless before even the tops of the volcanos had risen above _the ocean wave. In the east stands the highest mountain in the peninsula, variously credited with an altitude of 11,000 to 13,000 feet, as yet a /evra incognita to the naturalist. 248 The West American Scientist. AMONG THE MAGAZINES. Except the life of Lincoln and the War Articles, no more im- portant series has ever been undertaken by Zhe Century than this of Mr. Kennan’s. With the previous preparation of four year’s travel and study in Russia and Siberia, the author undertook a journey of 15,000 miles for the special investigation here required. An introduction from the Russian Minister of the Interior ad- mitted him to the principal mines and prisons, where he became acquainted with some three hundred State exiles,—Liberals, Nihilists, and others,—and the series will be a startling as well as accurate revelation of the exile system. The many illustrations by the artist and photographer, Mr. George A. Frost, who accompanied the author, will add greatly to the value of the articles, which will appear in the current volume. St. NicHOLAS, For Young Folks.—Since its first issue, in 1873, it has maintained, with undisputed recognition, the position it took at the beginning,—that of being the most excellent juvenile periodical ever printed. The best known names in literature were on its list of contributors. from the start,—Bryant, Longfellow, Thomas Hughes, George MacDonald, Bret Harte, Bayard Tay- lor, Frances Hodgson Burnett, James T. Fields, John G. Whit- tier ; indeed the list is so long that it would be easier to tell the few authors of note who have zof contributed to ‘the world’s child magazine.” One of the best fhome magazines published is The Cottage Flearth, of 11 Bromfield St., Boston. and its subscription price of $1.50 a year is very low for So beautifully printed and illustrated 32 page quarto monthly, and yet, by special arrangement with its liberal publishers, we can send both Zhe Cottage Hearth and THE West AMERICAN SCIENTIST one year for only one dollar and a haif—the price of one! Further, sample copies will be sent free to any of our readers who may address the publisher as above. A GLANCE ALF ABOOKS. Among the interesting volumes from the publishing house of Messrs. Lee and Shepard, Boston, are ‘The Fortunes of the Fara- days, by Miss Douglas; ‘The Art of Projecting,’ by Prof, A. E. Dolbear, the inventor of the telephone, who mentions especially the electric lamps and lights for projecting purposes, and phe- nomena of vortex rings; ‘The Debater’s Handbook,’ which in- cludes Sheridan Knowles’s debate on the character of Julius Cesar; ‘Britons and Muscovites,’ by Curtis Guild, and ‘Educa- tional Topics of the Day, or Chips from a Teacher’s Workshop,’ by L. R. Klemm, Ph. D. Messrs. Lee and Shepard are about to issue with additions covering his completed career, a new edition of ‘Our Standard Perseverance Island. 249 Bearer; or the Life of General Ulysses S. Grant; his Youth, his Manhood, his Campaigns, and his Eminent Services in the Recon- struction of the Nation his Sword has redeemed; as seen and re- lated by Captain Bernard Galligasken, Cosmopolitan, and written out by Oliver Optic.’ The work is illustrated by the well-known artist, Thomas Nast. PERSEVERANCE ISLAND. General Douglas Frazar’s ‘Perseverance Island,’ in new edi- tion by Lee and Shepard, Boston, is a truly wonderful book, on the publication of which all boys and lovers of spirited, adventur- ous, wholesome reading are to be congratulated in the heartiest manner. For its sub-title the remarkable volume is called the ‘Robinson Crusoe of the Nineteenth Century. It might have been well to have called it the American Robinson Crusoe, as the author describes the achievements of a Vermont Yankee on a lonely island in the Pacific, where he was shipwrecked, and yet attained wealth, comfort, and all that is worth having, save human companionship. The story is told without any attempt at fine writing; but the homely language of the volume will make it all the more welcome with sensible people. The evident purpose of this Yankee Crusoe, is toshow how much a man may achieve who knows how to help himself. The hero joins a Pacific island ex- pedition, but is thrown, after some remarkable adventures, on a lonely island, where his first duty consists in building a fire with- out any modern appliances, and in distilling sea water that he may quench his thirst. Next he makes a hat for himself, then a knife and a lamp. After this he builds a hut; and on an exploring tour he discovers wild goats, the descendants of animals left there a hundred years before by a previous settler; he finds coal, sul- phur, and wild grapes. He proceeds to maké bricks, to melt iron, to make steel, and to attempt astronomical observations. He constructs a sub-marine boat, manufactures glass, builds a steam-yacht, discovers the remains of a pirate and his millions of treasure, finds gold, and kills a sea-serpent. All this is very wonderful. But the best part of the story, which is told with ex- -quisite simplicity, consists in teaching a boy—and his father—how to overcome obstacles, how to make much of small things, how to use one’s head and hands, and how to make nature subservient to: human wants and comforts. In an interesting note at the close is a quotation from the New York Herald, referring to the arrival of William Anderson, at New York, on the U. S. S. S. Tallapoosa, and giving suggestions as to the future of that remarkable person- age. No spirited boy, no sensible person of whatever age, will lay the book aside without having caught a part of the author’s courage, manliness and spirit of self-help. It is a treasure for which one ought to bespeak the widest possible attention. No 250 The West American Scientist. popular library and no boy’s reading is complete without ‘Per- severance Island.’ The Youth's Companion will issue 12 pages weekly the coming year, and proposes to improve otherwise—a difficult undertaking. Prof. S, P. Langley has been elected Secretary ofthe Smaithe sonian Institute by the board of regents. A weekly illustrated journal of horticulture, garden botany, forestry, and kindred subjects will soon begin publication in New York, under the editorial direction of Prof. C. S. Sargent. The principal botanists and horticulturists of the East will support what we hope may prove a successful undertaking. It is reported that Professor Cashman, who has charge of a Goy- ernment exploring expedition in Southern Arizona, has unearthed a whole city, and exhumed a large number of skeletons. The lo- cation is about 80 miles north-west of Tucson, near the junction of the Salt River with the Gila. | A much needed work, ‘A Nomenclature of Colors,’ by Prof. Robert Ridgway, has just been issued by Little, Brown & Co., Boston, dedicated to the late Prof. Baird. It is especially intended for smithologists, as it gives a dictionary of technical terms used in describing birds, illustrated with seventeen plates. ten colored, the latter accurately defining different shades and combinations of colors. Either in determination or descriptive zoological or botanical work, both the amateur and professional will find this book useful for reference. Little, Brown & Co., the Bosten publishers, will shortly publish a volume of delightful and deliciously humorous stories, entitled ‘Five Hundred Dollars, and Other Stories of New England Life,’ by C. H. W., a new writer, who has met with considerable favor as a contributor to thé ‘Century Magazine,’ in which several of the stories were originally published... The volume will inciude ‘Five Hundred Dollars,’ ‘The Village Convict,’ ‘Saint Patrick,’ ‘Eli,’ ‘In Madeira Place,’ and ‘The New Minister’s Great Oppor- tunity.’ WECRE LOG: Dr. J. C McCormick, of Strawberry Plains, Tenn., was killed October 4, 1887, by the collapse of an Indian mound which he was exploring. Archzology and conchology were his favorite studies. | ProF. GUSTAV ROBERT KIRCHHOFF, died October 17, at Berlin. This. eminent physicist was born on March 12, 1824. Chemistry, physics and astronomy, each owes much of its recent development to him. The West American Sctentist EEA VEY OU; SHEN i I'T? I mean my new 16-page catalogue of P—=HiepsS FCcs=— If you have not you have missed it. In getting out this catalogue, I have introduced a new era in the yprices of Birds’ Eggs, in fact, I have catalogued over 450 varieties at JUST WHAT THEY ARE WORTH, and no more. . I have placed the eggs at their cash value, and as I conduct a cash business, I am giving Thus, if you buy 25 cents worth of eggs you will get them as low a rate as if you bought $5.00 worth. I have isssued my catalogue in the neatest possible form. I have used both Ridgeway’s and the A. O. U. numbers, thus making it doubly convenient. It contains 16 pages, is printed on tinted paper and neatly bound in the most convenient form to be carried in one’s pocket. If you have not already received a copy, send a 2-cent stamp and I will forward it by return mail. Po No fh, FORGET--—- that I take first-class eggs, single, or in sets, in large or small quantities, in exchange at one-half my catalogue rates. I shall be pleased to receive a list of what you have to exchange at any time. Address all correspondence to Zt. VERNON WILSON, AUSTIN, ILLINOIS. Calltorma Herbarium Specimens For Sale or Exchange, HE duplicate herbarium specimens feae eetiected by the editor of THE West AMERICAN SCIENTIST in Southern and Lower California, have been placed in the hands of Dr. N. L. Britton, Columbia College, New York, N. Y., for distribution, and are now offered either in ex- change or for cash. Correspondents will please address as above. C.K. GREUTT. Mae ered) Vo SD eo cee a eT A N illustrated magazine for Young Naturalists and Collectors, con- ~* taining articles by eminent Scientists. 25 sets (consisting of the only four numbers published) still on hand. These will be sold for 4o cents per set (original price, 15 cents per number. Address E. A. BARBER, Box 2118, West Chester, Penn’a. The West American Scientist. The West American Scientist. ®2.ESTABLISHED 1884.¢2>9 CHARLES RUSSELL ORGUTT, Editor. San Diego, California. Associate Editors: —Prof. Josiah Keep, Mills College, Cal.; W. R. Lighton, San Diego, Cal.; R. B. Trouslet, Valparaiso, Ind.; Wm. E. Loy, 423 Clay St., San.Francisco, Cal. THE OFF.CIAL ORGAN OF THE SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. An illustrated monthly magazine, devoted to the recording of original investigations and thought and the popularizing of the natural sciences. Eminent American scientists are contributors, among whom are Drs. C. C. Parry, Geo. Vasey, L. G. Yates, R. E, C. Stearns, Professors Josiah Keep, E. L. Greene, Carl C. Marshall, Messrs. L. Belding, M. Lopatecki, Geo. F. Kunz, Mrs. Rosa 8. Eigenmann, L. M. Smith, ‘E. E.’, and many others. TO ADVERTISERS. I s circulation in San Diego County is doubtless not greatly exceeded by any publication, while bona fide subscribers reside in nearly every state and territory in the Union and in various foreign countries. It is the first and only purely scientific journal recognized west of the Rocky Mountains. It was the first magazine issued from San Diego—a city of 25,000 inhab- itants, or from San Diego County, with 50,000 people within its limits. RATES:—Ten cents per line nonpareil; $1.00 an inch; $15.00 per page, for each insertion. The editor reserves the privilege of refusing any undesirable advertise- ment and of discontinuing any found to be such. Position guaranteed only to page advertisementa engaged by the year at special rates. No extra charge for insertion of cuts when furnish d. Terms, Cash with order. Six insertions rated as five; twelve insertions (one year) rated as ten, when Paid in Advance. - The Magazine will not be discontinued to sub ecribers until so ordered: The price is $1.00 a year, when paid in advance; $1.25, if not so paid. Ten dollars paid at-any one time entitles the subscriber to a copy for life, or so” long as the magazine may be published. Subscription price for Great Britain, five shillings. Back numbers, with a few exceptions, can be ob- tained at 10 cents each. Remit by express or Post Office money orders, pay- able to C. R. Orcutt, W R. LIGHTON, Business Manager. Subscription and .\dvertising Agents: F. R. WermorkE & Co., San Diego, California. E. M.:Hateut, Riversid>, California. R. B. Trousnot & Co., Valparaiso, Indiana. W. P. Coutins, 157 Gt. Portland St., London, England. Address, THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTES San Diego, California. - The West American Scientist E M. fA lGieger > DARGAIN Elser RIVERSIDE, CAL. ers Cash, with order, and if in any amount less than fifty cents, -add four cents extra for postage. Postage Stamps in denomination or less, taken for amounts less than one dollars. Birds’ Eggs. _ Eggs are all strictly first-class and such as | have in sets with data are indicated by a®*. The numbers correspond to the new A. O. U. check list. No. NAME. PRICE EACH. @oeerizeon Guillemot.....-'%.-- +: $ 10 Deeeaiomia “ ...esisece 15 memevesterm Gull... . 2.550122. 6%. 15 f2ec FP arallone Cormorant. .-...... 50 122 Brandt’s pe one Sk or yilaal es 25 123b Baird’s oa ener « 25 mimgeemsoseate Spoonbill:.:.:.5.-... 4o Stemeeodowy Heron...... 26.2 .... 08 faeeeomisitatia Fleron... 69.35... 08 Seeitee biae “ew eee 08 *201 “Green IES oo ce 05 202 Black-crowned Night Heron.. 08 pzos Yellow *‘ J Spahe t Sere drole Gallinole...io..i..... 15 ee Ss aS IO Seeoqpemexan Bob White......:..... 05 Zg4 scaitoriia Partridge..:.°....:. 06 *294a = Valley Partridge.... 05 Semoenrormno DOVe..... ie... +s 0 02 Sooo spattow Mawk....2.,........ 15 3°5 oo i ee eee 15 *378 Pirrowin= Ow]... 5.05 ...04%-- 15 (385 Meee... oats, wean 5's 15 387 Yellow-billed Cuckoo..:...... 08 *409 Red-bellied Woodpecker...... 15 413 Red-shaped Flicker .......... 05 423 mminey Swit... .. ca sve... IO fAd3 Scissor-tailed Fly-catcher...... 08 447 Arkansas King- Ditmas... 3 05 Mess "9 Sond et nie 20 Deere PCWEC..... 6. csc y cence 10 *a7af Ruddy-horned Lark.......... 18 See mcommon Crow............... 05 6 a 03 *498 Red-winged Blackbird RES 02 499 Bi- ee o4 500 ‘Tii-colored eos pth eee 10 mumemmeddow lark................ 08 501b Western Meadow Lark........ 05 505a Arizona Heoded Oriole....... 25 7506 Memeaard @riole........-..... o4 MOCK Se eee ees 08 *510 Brewer’s Blackbird............ 04 oH Purple Grackle .. . Be: eek *51rb PFC nee cece snes o4 “5! Seooat-tailed Grackle...... rate o4 @519 2 Se 05 alga Seienson House-Finch........ o4 "529 Pemaerican Goldfinch ......... 05 “530 Green-backed Goldfinch...... IO | 13 53! Eawrence’s Goldfinch......... Meee Vesper Sparrow.............. "552 Each Sparrows . 2 meme. 05 *542a Western Lark Sparrow peek Os 08 *560 Chipping Sparrow a, GL ag 02 Te RCE LE MB es ore Cote 75 *581 Song i oF eae ce, OF *sS1c Heerman’s Song Sparrow. eee oS 581d Samuel’s op I allt enor 05 591b California Brown Towhee..... 05 *593 Cardinal Grosiesk.. ae sce. 04 604. Black-throated Banting........ 14 Sia eurple Marie... -« «aioe fe) pore. litt swallows... ..'- «> amumeee. 03 “612 Barn Deed. Wie c:<, ete ae 03 PII HEARN Sc 0 a oe 8 cw « 50 ER o4 "O20 SP datlOPe Pld wo aa: eee 35 “622a- White-rumped Shrike......... o4 Toad Red-eyed- Vitel » 1... «en eens 05 *648 Blue Yellow-backed Warbler.. 13 “652 Yellow Warbler...) eegeeaes 03 703 Mocking, Bird . . 5... : eave hie’ O4 pot Cat SIS o. . «.+: it ase eee 02 705 Brown Thrasher. --......-..+- 03 7ioe Cantorma, ‘<>... oe. -eonaneele i 7ige arts Wren.:.,..::) ett aneeiee 08 715 Rock US ce ,+ 5 ee ae 37 Faia veataeman’s: Wien 12: vs ceeuteee O4 722 Winter Soa eae aie 37 725 Long-billed Marsh Wren...... o4 Pate Bette ‘LitmiOuse 5.04 seencsees ay a faa) bsain Oh |” Tee os eens 25 yoo Carolina Chickadee.. ee eee Bee ae 05 Great Britain, 1 farthing, Geo. IV.. IO i I penny, - Ill. fe) « cc 4 (¢ ae IO s ¥ I % Victoria. .. 03 ss = 1 farthings Geo: Tl... .20 Honduras, provisional money, rude, Sreals.' i). giegeseee s Sees oie a. 15 Mexico, I centavo, nickel. > ae a 05 Bete Lis de 08 “ 5 = et. Seer 10 EA AVOMOCL 1 (ROTTS 63-2 Shactte sale dc trace 05 ¥ 2 5 5 bd kes ic. CRE DY oie ite) ‘ 2 pai Shlateeen ts 56%. ite) Russia,-2 kopees; Nicholas If;,.:..... IO The West American Sctenitst Rome, 4th bronze coins, found in dig- ging Suez canal, 1500 years old.... 12 India; old duties’... sicrenee = +e =e IO Denmark, Frederick VII,-1 skilling.. 05 Sweden, 2% skilling, Frederick VI . 10 Japan, Olel:Sen, eer Ces. cama ce <'y 2 oe 50 Peru, provisional money, scarce, 5 COERLAVOS : 2m: cee « sc bales o Bienen «eta 20 Peru, provisional money, scarce, Io CEMNLANOS sam'--: ot A a leo ney Grae a ere a, 15 #S28; : “5 REDS ae et oie aie 20 W537 455 SOc es meh s EO 10 5 ae at ate aes eaten 3s fe) 1532, 1, Wa ES ett ines 10 1634, “ Spee Se anna ev eee 05 £635 head 1834". KGa ty ee eae IO ¥337, plain, hair-string@ 22) 22 So. IO BOSG er kes ig S53 ee ee ee, o8 WEEOGS. F tise 50 scp emeeleme etree hay 08 W852, bad to lelttin svseee. Was eee oh 05 1868, bronze, Indian head oe her gt Rae 08 1880, DER eS ee 05 California Gold. Half-Dollar, round, different dates. . # 55 a rg octagonal, . 55 Quarter: Dollar, “ = : 30 = round, “4 i 30 Confederate Money. Jnterest note, train Gf carsii 2.53)... $ 10 $500, Feb. 17; 1864 Ae ‘<3 RO eae 50 TR gs ta OS: NIRS Ad omer amet ate I2 100, mn “small note, very PAGO css cil Sisiw Ooxk. LOIRE Weeeni ees aie DP I 50 Address all orders to i. vl. Eat oa ee 50, Feb. 17 1864 bt eee ae eee 08 Gi. PLES cess ue eee 08 10, \. OO Sue's a 6 bon dee 05 5 vA hai inode 05 a. _ Mi Thee Io 1, si Ot ohm 0 sink baler 10 5e-ets,, “* £S -Abiie > ae a 10 Curiosities Agates, (polished)... :«-:..e=aemmm $ 25 Cal.Sea Urchins=2.2 .. see 05 to Io Liver Seats. «2c... 22 en 05 to 10 Alligator Teethi:s 2%: \.. . 5 ee 05 Sharks: Epes .. 0. 590). eee 15 Pampas Grass Plumes’... .s0cceeeee 25 Humming Bird’s Nests -.cugeee eee 25 Cactus Wood, (curious).......... 05 to 25 Earthquake Sand, thrown up by the Charleston Earthquakes, several colors ina vial .. ...2:teaen 03 Nacella'intésia: .5.. : .\ chen See .« Olam Olivella*biblicata: sic: | Sao eee c5a Pecten 2quisuleatus: . .-2.seun eee O05 | Pachydesma (Trigore) crassalellaroi- 4 GES Fi5 i is Ge = 02 Fifty cents worth of specimens free from this list to every new subscriber to THE West AMERICAN SCIENTIST, who sends $1.00 to E. M. Haight, Riverside, Cal. RIVERSIDE, San Bernardino Coe., COAILIE'Ofiwi AS The West American Scientist. GUION, HAMILTON & HARTLEY, Keal Estate and Loan Agents, Cor, Band Sixth Sts. SAN DIEGO, CAL. N. B.—Mr- Guion’s six years’ experience as Deputy* Assessor en- a ables him to impart reliable information concerning the country. HAMILTON & CO. SAN DIEGO, CAL. Dealers in General Merchandise ——+-—— A SUFPLY STORK FOR FARMERS and FAMILIES\ + We handle the products of this county, and ask for orders for Poncy, Beeswax, San Diego Raisins, Lemons, Oranges, Etc., Ete. Please mention this magazine in writing to advertisers, The West American Scientist. TO ALL NEW SUBSCRIBERS and to all OLD SUBSCRIBERS Who Renew their Subscription to FRE WEST AMERICAN SEIBNPIST paying $1.00 in advance, we 26 BOG KS cone a week for 26 weeks. To all who pay $.200 we willsen : our paper 6 months & will send our paper for one year and 59 STANDARD & POPULAR WORKS "ink by the best authors—Novelists, Poets, Historians, and General Writers. The Books will all be printed from new type and on good paper, and mailed to your home address one each week, as pub- lished, for 52 weeks. It is only to secure prompt renewals and obtain a Ses increase of new sub- scribers that E 4 Fe AG D Ng RY OFF a d Subscribers should we make this Bi , ee i A : Ee renew at once to secure its advantages. Our paper will be sent for the full time from the date your_present_subscription expires. The Books described below are among the number to be issued, and show the high class of popular and standard literature promised. Our liberal offer assures you a LITERARY BANQUET OF CHOICE THINGS lasting through an entire year. Accept promptly. Romeo and Juliet; by Witi1am Brack. This author’s stories are always racy and full of telling points. His ‘Romeo and Juliet,” is an exquisite sketch of two foolish lovers, who mingle tender sentiment with the ludicrous in a way to make everybody smile. Enoch Ardenms and other gems; by ALFrreD TENNYSON. _ For purity of style, genu:ne sweetness and touching pathos, the great poet has never surpassed his “Enoch Arden.” In this poem of human affection he is at his best, and one cannot know the poet-laureate without knowing it. Miss Toosey’s Missions; and Lappirr. Two of those rarely conceived and charmingly told stories of home and duty which refresh and inspire. They ought to be read by every young person who has the world to face. William Shakspeare; How, When, Why, and What he Wrote: by H. A. Tainz. There never has been compressed into such brief space so much about the immortal ** Bard of Avon” asin this work by the brilliant French author. It will open the eyes of the reader to a thousand things never before dreamed of. Doom; An Atlantic Episode; by Justtn McCartny. A powerful and thrilling story of life on an American liner, The situations are natural, the plot intense, the sketching exquisite. The hand of a master is visible from the “all aboard” at Liver- pooi to the terrible landing at New York. The Lady of Lyons; by Str E. Butwer Lyrron. This is the Lady as seen in the celebrated play of the same name. It ranks as the prettiest picture of deyotion and sincerest expression of the “tender passion” ever placed on the stage. The queens of the drama never tire of presenting it to admiring audiences. Bulldog and Butterfly; by Davin CuristIE Murray. A spicily told story of human character, yet not a bit overdrawn, Bulldogs and Butter- Mies gre areume us. The author ciothes his realism in garbs of pleasantry and humor, Hence his stories are hits. The Trial of Pickwick; by Cuar.es Dickens. This is the first time the entire story of the gallant Pickwick’s adventures with the impressionable Mrs. Bardell has appeared in connected form, It abounds in ludicrous situations and mirth-pro_ voking incidents, whose interest is heightened by the wise comicalities of the immortal Sam Weller, Clouds and Sunshine; by Cuarres Reape. A happily told story of farm life, full of pretty rural pictures and pastoral sentiments. An, ingenious plot, exciting narrative, characters with passions and motives just like “city folks.” All in all, one of the most interesting and readable efforts of the illustrious author, Sweet is True Love; by the “Ducuess.” A touching story of disappointment, estrangement and reconciliation. Full of pretty sketches of situation and character. A vigorous and pleasing narrative. Oneof the author’s strongest stories. The Haunted House; by Sir E. Burwer Ziytton. Thisisone — t_. great authors quaintest conceits and happily told stories. Weird and thrilling throughout. Mverybody reads it with feelings of delight. Dr. Marigold; by Cuartes Dickens. One of Dicken’s crispest and most amusing sketches of a quaint and curious character Readable, laugha- ble, aud a sure antidote to dull care, Every community needs its ‘‘ Dr. Marigold,” and all lovers take kindly to his prescription. On Her Wedding Morn; by Berrna M. Cray. A very strong and charming character-story, abounding in striking situations and stirring narrative. Enlists warmest sympathies and rivets attention to the end. Jack of All Trades; by Cuartes Reape. The ponder trials of an artisan who didn’t stick to his trade. Full-of comical situations, funny inci- dents of travel in Europe and America, and thrilling adventures as keeper of a colossal elephant. 2 08 OTHER BOOKS DURING THE YEAR TO COMPLETE THE 52. W E will send the Books alone, mailed to any address, nostpaid, at_the following prices 52 Books for $1.25—one a week for one year; or 39 Books for $1-0Q0—one a week for rzic months; or 26 Books for 70 cents—one a week for six months; or 13 Reoks for 40 cents Roe a week for three months; or 8 Books for 25 cents—one a week for two months; or 4 Books for 15 cents—one a week for one month. Subscriptions to these Books may begin at Y date. Single Copies 5 cents. Add*e-s all orders to THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST, San Diego, California. | : : The West American Scientist. ——— - | UST READY = POOGLORSBOR NALURAGISTS. A Nomenclature of Colors for Naturalists, and Compendium of Useful Knowledge for Ornithologists. By ROBERT RIDGWAY, Curator, Department of Birds, United States National Museum. Ten Colored Plates and seven Plates of Outline Illustrations. Svo. Cloth. G4+.00. | The present volume is intended to supply a want much felt by the author during the course of his ornithological studies, and therefore presumably ex- perienced by other workers in the same field; namely, a nomenclature of colors and a compendious dictionary of technical terms used in descriptive ornithology, together with a series of plates or diagrams, illustrating the ex- ternal anatomy of a bird in relation to the terms employed, and such other things as are more clearly expressed by a picture than by a mere definition. It has been the earnest endeavor of the author to give this much needed information in the present work; and in order to do so he has spared no pains, having for this purpose procured the finest prepared colors known to modern art, including those of all the best manufacturers, as Winsor & New- ton, George Rownev & Co., and Ackermann, of London, England; Dr. Fr. Schoenfeld ‘& Co., Dusseldorf; Chenal, Burgeois, Binant, and Lefrane, of Paris; Osborne of Philadelphia, and others. He has, besides, consulted all the authorities accessible to him. For sale by C. R. ORCUTT, San Diego, California. WHALEY & DALTON, SUCCESSORS TO MORSE, WHALEY & DALTON SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. «Pioneer Real Estate Dealers.:- NOTARIES, ssExclusive Control of Valuable Properties ie Money to Loan, Taxes Paid for Non-Residents, Rents Collected, etc. REFERENCES: - - - CONSOLIDATED NATIONAL BANK. The West American Scientist. h. b. TRousnor & Co, S7 AND 39 COLLEGE AVENUE, Ws ASL AA LSS, LIN Di AST 23 ARE HEADQUARTERS FOR ARPLIFICIAL GLASS EYES of every kind. We recently purchased Frank H. Lattin’s entire stock, which, with our previous large stock and jate purchases, places us in a position to fill orders promptly and satisfactorily. Try us. List free. oN LOMO LOGLOAL SUPE alaS- Our cork is the best and cheapest in the market. Our pins have no su- periors as to quality, and no competitors as to price, quality considered. Our setting boards are equal to the best and cheap as the cheapest. Abe Ce Sat DES aWing ae | (a epascas seca Glass eyes, tools, poisons, stuffing materials, embalming chemicals, ete., etc. List free. SOLO Lea (Coo S- Drills of all kinds, Blow-pipes, Callipers and Calliper Rules, Embryo Hooks, Pencils, etc., ete. We have the following first- class eggs for sale, either single or in sets. Many of them we have in quantities. There are a few varictics, howevir that we only have a few of. While we always strive to fill all orders in full, we would ask that you specify several ‘‘extras’”’ to allow for possible ‘‘onts?’. All specimens post paid at prices mentioned. N. A. BIRD EGGS.—Ridgeway’s Nomenclature. 1, 10c; 4a, 45¢;.11, 10c; 12, 3; 18, 4; 22, 3c; 49, 25c; 56, 25c; 60, 25c; 63, 5c; 67, 5c; 88c, 30; 93, 5c; 122, 20c; 123,“10c; 135, 15c; 145, 25c; 149, 25e; 149a, 20c; 152, 20c; 153, 5c; 154, 5c; 157, 5c; 161,.25c; 164, 25; 170a, 8e; 181, 6c; 182, 20; 183, 20; 197, 6c; 198, 20c; 198a, 55c; 202, 35c; 204, 12c; 204a, 20c; 207, 70c; 211, 3c; 211la, 20c; 217, 30c; 231, 3c; 231, 10c; 237, 20c; 238a, 30c; 240b, 20c; 242, 9c; 244, 18c; 248, 12¢; 251, 20c; 254, 12e; 258, 5c; 258a, 45ce; 260, 10c; 261, 3c; 261a, 10c; 262, 18c; 264, 15c; 270, 10c; 272, 20c; 274, 10c; 275, 55c; 277, 18c; 278. 7c; 278b, 7c; 232, 8c; 286, 45e; 289, 5c; 301, 18c; 312, 15c; 324, 28c; 358, 70c; 361, 23c; 372, 28; 378, 5c; 378b, 15c; 387, 18c; 395, 60c; 402, 48c; 439a, $1.20; 455, $1.00; 460, Ze; 470a, $1.00; 480, 11c; 480b, 20c; 482, 15c; 490, 18c; 492, 18c; 494, 10c; 495, 15¢e; 496, 45c; 522, 35¢; 555, 35c¢; 569, 20c; 57], 15c; 573, 45ce; 574, 13¢; 578, 95c; 579, 15c; 580, 18c; 585, 95c; 606, 10c; 640, 95c; 643. 35c; 643a, 30¢; 645, 85c; 650, 30c; 656, 20c; 658, 65c; 663, 75c; 668, 60c; 669, 80c; 688, 18¢; 690, 10c; 723, 25c; 735, 15¢; 743, 35; 763, 25; 763a, 35c; 325a, 28c. We will exchange for any variety in any quantity at half our list rates. For eggs not in our collection we will allow full rates. Send for list of specimens we desire. SPECIAL NOTICE. All parties ordering goods from any of our supply lists, amounting to $2.00, will receive THe Wrst AMERICAN Scientist, free, for one year, pcr special arrangement with it’s publisher, C. R. Orcutt. All ordering eggs or curiosities, from any of our lists, amounting to $1.25, will receive T'HE West AmMpRiIcAN ScrEntist, free, for one year. Send stamps for amounts of $1.00 or less, over $1.00 Postal Note, Ex- press Order, P. O. Money Order or Draft. Order now while we have a big stock to select from and get the best. The West American Sctenttst. Steel J eit FOR ARTISTIC USE in fine drawing, Nos. 659 (Crowqutll), 290 and FOR FINE WRITING, Nos. 303 and Ladies’, FOR BROAD WRITING, Nos. 294, 389 and Stub Point, FOR GENERAL WRITING, Nos. 332, 404, 390 and 840. 604. Joseph Gillott & Sons, 91 John Ct, N. 3) HENRY HOE, Sore AGENT, Sold by ALL DEALERS throughout the World. Gold Medal Paris Exposition, 1878. Js a combination of Phosphorus, Albumen, Pro- togon, Lime, Soda and Iron, which act on the Brain, Nerves and Stomach, increasing the appetite, assisting Digestion, Curing Dys- pepsia, inevery form, Headache, Neuralgia, Insomnia, General Debility, Want of Vi- tality, Nervous Prostration and Impo- tence. In Hysteria and Epilepsy its effects are magical. In Consumption its nutritive qualities are beyond comparison with other preparations. Its action is shown by the increasing strength and weight of the patient, and the loss of cough and night sweats. It is a brain, nerve, and life giving tonic. Price, $1.50 per bottle. Bpa@-For StLm py ALL DRUGGISTS. THE SAN DIEGO UNION. Persons wishing accurate information respecting the Southern part of California should subscribe for Tne UNion. Sanple copies sent on application. ; TERMS: THE WSEKLY UNION. THE DAILY UNION. One Veares.... .. S2.00 CCN hes Se $10.00 Sx Months..);.: wibaO") Six Months .sc-.. 5.00 Tnree Months...... : Three Months..... 2.90 One Month......... -25 | One Month... . 1.00 Address, “THIN UNION, San Diego, Cal. Pee EN TSCHER, GENERAL COMMISSION FORWARDING AND SHIPPING. San Diego, Cal. SAN DIEG Climate, Topography, Produc- tb 1 tions, etc. By DouGLAS GUNN. 73 pp w.th map, 2+ cents. of the vicinity of San NOTES ON MOLLUSKS Diego, Cal., and Todos Santos Bay, Lower California, by C. R. OrcurT, with comments by Dr. W. H. DALL. With plate. Price cents. ; Davie’s Egg Check List SN Kipp TAS NESTS AND EGGS North American Birds. Sh COwN Sel EreOs , Revised and Enlarged. Illustrated by Theodore Jasper, A. M., M. D. This work has taken a permanent place in the liter- ature relating to the Nesting Habits of our North American Birds. It contains accurate descriptions of the Color of the Eggs and size of the Nests of all the Land and Water Birds known to breed in North America. No Oologist or Col’ector of Eggs c n afford to be without this work, and it takes the place of expensive works which are usually beyond the reach of many c ‘Jlectors. What Others Sav of It: I consider it a valuable contribution to ornithologi- cal literature. It should be in the hands of eve'y collector.—Thomas G. Gentry. I must say the illustrations are beautiful, and true to life. Yon deserve great credit for getting out such a book. Itis the only work of the kind | have ever seen that exactly fille | the wants of the Egg Collector. —H.C. Davis. You have made a most useful little book, one that every young collector (and many who are not young) ought to have.—B. W. Everman. $1.00 PRIVE, Dbymail - - - - = “ “With this Magazine one year, 1.35 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST, SAN DIEGO, CAL. Address, —— Tap — Or FIN. COW A Fortnightly Journal, Devoted to the work of establishing Ethics and Religion wupan the basis of Se ence. 1€9- 75 LA SALLE STREET, Chicago, Iils. B. F. UNpERWoop, - - Editor and Manager. Sara A, UNDERWOOD, - Assistant Editor. The object of this Jour: al is to substitute ritional thought on the subject of religion. for traditon and and superstition; and with this view, it secures the ablest wri ers of the old world and the new, as con- tcibutors. Among those who write for the “Open Court” are: Max Mueller, Richard A. Proctor, Albert Reville, Daniel Greenleaf Thompson, (Professor in College of France) Prof. Lester M. Ward, John Burroughs, Thos. Davidson, Alfred H. Pete s, Dr. Felix L. Oswald, W. J. Potter, F. M. Holland, Ednah D. Cheney, Dr. 8. V. Clevenzer, Theodore Stanton, M J. Savage, Moncure D Conway, srof. Henry C. Acams, Geo. ‘Jacob Holy- oake, Edmund Montgomery, W. L. Garrison, Jun. Gen. M M. Trumbull, Pref. W. D. Gunning, Elizabeth Cady Stantsn, Annie Garlin Spencer, Clara Lanza, Hetatia Bradlaugh Bonner, W. M. Salter, Dr. Paul Carns, J. W Chadwick. ‘TERMS, $3.00 PER YEAR. Open Conrt, P. O. Drawer F, Chicago, Ills. Address, Send for Catalogue of the ACME MICROSCOPES Clearance Sale! Catalogue and ganple copy of the Micro- scopical Bulletin free. = JAMES W. QUEEN, Manufact’g Opticians PHILADELPHIA. The West American Sctentist " Newspaper Advertising” A BOOK OF 266 PAGES DEVOTED TO THB SUBJECT OF NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING, Ba eT Every Advertiser, whether an experienced or only an intending one, should possess a copy. Sent post-paid on receipt of 30 cents, GEO. P. ROWELL & C6., Newspaper Advertising Bureau, 10 SPRUCE ST., NEW YORK. R_ warded are thos? who real this and then act; they will find honovable em- p'oyment that will not take them from RIGHLY their homes and families. The profits are large and sure for every industrious per on, many have made and are now making several huudred dol- young or old; capital not needed; we start you. once for full particulars, which we mail free. Ad- I} iM Sea Wonders exist in thousands of forms, uf that can be done while living athome, should Sex, of all ages, can earn from $5 to $25 per day and a single day at this work. Ali succeed. 32.44, among the wonders of inventive out separating the workers from their homes. Pay ed; you are started free Cut this out and return to which will bring you in more money right away, than lars a month, It is easy for any one to make $5 and upwards per day, whois willing to work. E.ther sex, Everything new. No special abilit) required; you, reader, can do it as well asany one. Write to us at dress Stinson & Co., Portland, Main», 32.44. butare surpas ed by the marvels of invention. Those who are in need of profitable work at once send their address to Hallet & Co., Portland, Maine, and reccive free, full information how either upwards wherever they live. You are started free. Capital not required. Some have made over $50 in his revolutionized the world during the last haf century. Not least progress is a method and system of work that can be performed all over the country with- liberal; any One can do the work; either sex, young or old; no special ability required. Capital not need- us and we will send you free, something of great value and importance to you, that will start you in business, anything else in the world. Grand outpt free. Ad- dres3 TRUE & Co., Augusta, Maine. 32.44. Money to be Made. It is said that dull times are not known by the agents for the great publishing. house of George Stinson & Co., Portland, Maine. The reason of this exceptional success is found in the fact that they al- ways give the public that which is keenly appreciated and at prices that all can af- ford. At present we understand, their agents are doing wonderfully welkon sev- eral new lines. They meed m ny more agents in all parts of the country. Those who need profitable work should apply at once. Women do as well s men. Experience is not necessary, for Messrs. Stinson & Co. undertake to show all who are willing to work, not hard but earnest- ly, the path to large success. It should be remembered that an agent can do a handsome business without being away from home over night. Another advan- tage—it costs nothing to give the business a trial, and an agent can devote all his time, or only his spare moments to it. Stinson & Co. guarantee grand success to all who engage and follow simple and plain directions that they give. We have not space to explain all bere, but full particulars will be sent free to those who aedress the firm; their full address is given above. Ancient Red Men’s Tools. 1 War Point, 1 Game Point, 2 Barbed Base Arrow, 1 Deep Notch Base Arrow, 1 Stemmed Base Arrow t Indented Stem Base Arrow, I Spear Head. The above seven fine Implements with data, etc., sent postpaid for 75 cents. Send for list of rare relics. R. NISSLEY, ADA, HaRDIN Co., O. THE CONCHOLOGISTS EXCHANGE monthly publication devoted to Conchologists A and their interests. Scientists generally will tinu it to their interests to subscribe to this paper as ‘Exchange’ columns are provided for the disposal of Shells, Scientific specimens generally, and, Books Subscription price, Vol. II, 50 cents; sample copy on application. Address, : WM. D. AVERELL, Editor and Pubsisher, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. AMERICAN Monthly Microscopical Journal. A periodical for all who use micro- scopes either professionally or as amateurs. “‘T am much pleased with the Journal and have received much valuable information,” ““T learn many new things f om it, and I am sure that it is the case with all who read it,” #27 Specimen copies sent free on application. EpiTor, BUSINESS MANAGER, HENRY L. OSBORNE, Ph. D., RUFUS W DEERING, © Lafayette, Indiana. o* Mention this magazine to adyertisers. Washington, D. C. ee —* : ; ae aa The West American Scientist. | a 5) Ae EY es I = = BUY YOURSELF A HOME AWAY FROM THE SEA AT ESCONDIDO! And the following are a few ofthe many substantial reasons why you should do so: because, Yr ’ It has special advantages tending to the perpetuation of life. Located 12 miles inland from the,sea, at an altitude of 700 feet, the ocean breezes passing over the land lose a great portion of their humidity before reaching Escondido, while the heat of the earth over which they pass has a great influence in imparting a warmth and balminess to the atmosphere. This is noticed by every one visiting the town. It is this balmy air and higher air which is exercising such a powerful influence in building up a city and securing home-seekers for the lots ace I, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 8o acres tracts embraced in the Escondido town site and ranch. Because, its altitude secures for it almost double the annual rainfall of the immediate + coast, while the still. greater rainfall in the mountains near by causes an unfailing supply ef running water under the soil and close to the surface. Because it has a rich soil, that will produce oranges, lemons, limes, guavas, grapes and all the fruits of the temperate zone, as well as semi-tropical fruits, which can be grown almost without care in the rich red loam which is spread over valley and plains. Because its soil will produce all of the ordinary fruits and vines without a particle of trrigation, and the evidence is here to substantiate this statement. Because its location is pa in all that constitutes grandeur of natural scenery. The situation is in every respect desirable and delightful for residence purposes, and there is no spot in the world better adapted for the relief of persons suffering oth pulmonary diseases and goneral debility, Because it will be one of the great educational centers of Southern California A fine epliege is now being built, and is to be pushed rapidly to completion. It will be under the auspices of the University of California, which insures its permanence and influence. Because Escondido homes will have fruits and flowers every month in the year, this being assured by the most even temperature which the world affords, consequently they will possess all of the attractions which make life desirable. No saloons. All deeds con- tain a clause prohibiting the sale of spirituous liquors. Because it is now, and must always remain, the very stronghold of health, exhilarating air and comfort in summer, and a pleasant retreat from cold and disagreeable winters. Because, by the first day of January, 1888, Escondido will be one of the Pacific Coast terminal points of the great Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad system. Because Escondido, for climate, soil, water, scenery, location, and a commanding com- mercial situation in the interior, stands wholly unrivalled on the great Pacific Coast. Further, information can be had at the offices of the Escondido Land and Town Co,, in Escondido and San Diego. W. W. THOMAS, Supt. J. R. THOMAS, Sec. Bank Block, Escondido. St. James Bleck, San Diego. SAN DIEGO LAND TOY COMPANY This Compary offers for sale in tracts to siut purchasers 50,000 Acres of the Choicest Fruit Lands on the Continent In 20 and 40 Acre Tracts, Also near National City, on Motor Street Railway line, 5-acre tracts for Homes, with ample supply of pure, cheap soft water, Business and Residence Property in San Diego and National City. These lands lie adjacent to the Bay of San Diego, Convenient to Towns, Markets, Schools, Churches and Railroad facilities. For profitable and successful culture of Oranges, Lemons, Apples, Grapes, Pears, Peaches, Apricots, Olives, and an endless variety of other fruits, besides Gardening, General Farming, Raisin, Wine and Grape Growing, these lands offer advantages not found elsewhere, and will be sold to Actual Settlers at Low Prices and 9n EKasy Terms. The Company also offers for sale Lots and Blocks in National City, Cal., the Paclic Coast Terminus of the Souvhwestern Rallway System: This part of the Paeific Southwest, favored with a perfect climate, soil of unsurpassed fertility, unexcelled natural advantages, is destined to rank first in wealth and population,. For Maps, further particulars, and full information respecting the advantages offered. by this part of Southern California, address W. G DICKINSON, Supt. San Diego Land and Town Company, National City, California.. Please Mention this magazine. The West American Scientist. ie acaem WE HAVE THE FINEST CLIMATE IN THE WOLD, —FESTABLISHED 1885.— arts) Members of the San me Real Estate Exchange. 16 | an : is Bankers dnd Real Estate pie, he Moneys received on deposit and placed on first mortgages : well secured. * f - 5 . Inside and f Very choice Ri ee ee Corner Lots in all parts of | the City, for business and residences. Outside — Suburban . ‘Homes for the man or woman ‘of means; _ | beautiful small. five acres up, good princi- means and a. desire fora home. = : Our large tracts are very scarce, but we have a few good ones left. and plenty of places from for the man of ples, small ou Beautifully Illustrated Book on San. Diego City and County, (price $1.00), is now about reaty. 259 Send for it and mention this magazine. F. R. WETMORE & CO., 13 & 15 E STREET., opp. First National Bank. (CONTENTS: : snces * of a Naturalist, yas cn E.G. Stearns. ......++1 a a 4 NLC OI SRR 5 A. Wiellesvau.) (as ut me isto Jottings. .....0.e+ceeeeeeeeeeeT. D. A, Cockerell......6 REEDS MERE Larry ok antigen aG tees Oa itt SNA a gale Mea erg N pee apieak sieletaty <0 5 sc éeesatsicssecaess oxy sceeeeeke eng ssouri River Bluff Deposit........2.....W. WW. VISIO 56 ha vole inarp Family, PUG ered eitiny, Suv aniio Ss aaenle nekeg Ee OROMEL vais oo ane LS ginal Bird Notes......+..+.-.sseeeseseeserenserereeresceeececeeelS Bee cl coe. cesees se bie elm cesies RAR SA SSeS Aas tie Pe he fee esate REEVE ACA Widiier Wie Swag aia ee She etl abel aka rah eh eal usd eS RAR eeue Files... cece cece cece eee neta cen e eee eeeneeaeeee cess TT iy Om byt oma) PUBLISHER, < BA em sO OAL ORNL: Price, 10 Cents. [Entered at the Poztofiice at San Diego as second-class matter.] > ston ACID PHOSPHATE, (EIQUWID.) A preparation of the phosphates that is readily assimilated by the system. | ESPECIALLY RECOMMENDED FOR' Dyspepsia, Mental andPhysical Exhaus- tion, Indigestion, Headache, Nerv- ousness, Wakefulness, Im- paired Vitality, Ete. Prescribed and endorsed by Physicians of all schools. _ It combines well with such stimulants as are necessary to take. It makes a delicious drink with water and sugar only, For sale by-all druggists. Pamphlet free. Rumford Chemical Works, Providence, A : Beware of Imitations. ‘NEM ‘VUAAITIA VINOLONIHSVM) SNIVd NV NVINYOAITVD JO FANFAY ee fend y yiqa ie ye a oh ten Tin West FAIMERICAN ScreNnTIsT. VOL. 4. JANUARY, 1888. No. 33 xu REMINISCENCES OF A NATURALIST, BIOGRAPH- ICAL, LLC, DR. WESLEY NEWCOMB. In the summer of 1864 I met that veteran conchologist, Dr. Wesley Newcomb, for the first time, having called upon him in response to an invitation sent to me through the late Dr. William M. Gobb, the latter at that time holding the position of Paleonto- logist in the staff of the Geological Survey of California, of which Prof. J. D. Whitney was the director. I remember very clearly the afternoon when I first met the worthy doctor, and the acquain- tanceship then commenced developed into a friendship that still continues undiminished, though I have not seen him for many years. At the time referred to he lived in Oakland, California; where he pursued his profession and had an extensive practice. Dr. Newcomb is at the present writing probably the oldest American conchologist. He has outlived his earlier scientific or rather con- chological friends; Gould, the elder Binney, Anthony, Bland, and, last but not least, Dr. Isaac Lea, all Americans, as well as Reeve, Cuming and others of England. who were also his friends and correspondents. Dr. Newcomb lived for many years in the Sandwich Islands, and there had excellent opportunities for col- lecting not only the beautiful land shells of that remarkable insular group, Achatinellz, the geographical distribution of which is nearly if not wholly confined to said islands, but also many inter- esting and attractive marine and fresh-water species. Dr. New- comb improved the opportunity to make not only an exhaustive collection of the Achatinellze, but also to make a thorough study of these somewhat variable and therefore difficult shells. By careful comparison he reached conclusions which are probably more correct than the greater portion of the work of others in the shells of this group. At the time Dr. Newcomb resided in the islands, the Achati- nella were abundant, and therefore he had no lack of material. Since and of late years, with the clearing. of the lands and the 2 The West American Scientist. development of agriculture, these shells have been gradually, even rapidly decreasing, and now have, it is said, ceased to be numerous. Dr. Newcomb described many new species, and probably has the finest collection in the world of these forms. His residence in the islands also gave him unusual advantages in the way of obtaining shells from the whaling vessels which at that time made Honolulu a base for supplies, etc. ; and, again, from his missionary friends who were established in other islands near or remote, who occasionally visited Honolulu, he received many additions to his collection of much value. As Dr. Newcomb has always been liberal in explaining and giving outright his sample specimens, he naturally received from many grateful recipients of his favors whatever they could furnish that might be desiderata to him. He also, as before stated, reckoned many weli-known and leading conchologists among his correspondents and friends, and Cuming especially contributed many rare and desirable spe- cies to the Newcomb museum in return for what the Doctor had sent to enrich the Cumingian cabinet. After Dr. Newcomb came to California and made Oakland his home, he continued as before with unremitting effort to add to his already large and valuable collection by collecting himself the shells of the Pacific coast, and by encouraging and assisting others to do the same. He has described several species of West American land and marine shells, and his conchological papers have been published in the proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences and elsewhere. The good Doctor has also collected in the field at all the prin- cipal points on the coast of California, on both sides of the Isthmus of Darien, viz., Panama and Aspinwall; in the San Domingo and on both coasts of Florida, and quite likely elsewhere. | I shall never forget a little trip to the coast made by Docter Newcomb and myself about 1867. We were led to investigate the neighborhood of Bodega, and had a tiresome ride one day by stage to the ‘ Corners’ ( Bodega Corners ) where we had to stop over night before we could go on. We had an uncomfortable room together on the ground floor of the only public house there, sv near the bar-room that we were kept awake long after we had gone to bed by the loud talk, wrangling, and profanity which sur- passed in volume and unceasing flow anything I had ever before experienced. The next morning we were both glad to get away from such a ‘hell-hole, and after paying our bill the Doctor remarked to the landlord that he had never been in a place where such gross profanity prevailed, and he hoped never to have such an experience again. The landlord was so abashed by my friend’s comments and rebuke, that not only he, but some of the rough looking loafers sitting near, really appeared to exhibit some shame. After leav- ing we proceeded by stage to the Head, as the bold granite bluff is called, that makes out into the ocean in this neighborhood, and Reminisences of a Naturalist. € soon reached the house which was to be our base. Our stay in this region was not very satisfactory. All the time we were there the wind and sea were rough, and it was dreary and chilling in the extreme, and the collecting ground we found to be quite limited. At low tide we obtained specimens of Macana nasuta and M. Secta var edulis, also Tapes Pettitti from the same hole and at the same time by digging in the mud, Lasea rubra was also abundant; an occasional red abalone (H.rufescens) was met with, and IJ had the pleasure of finding a few specimens of Trivia Cali- fornica (which [ had previously detected alive at Monterey) among the smaller drift of the beach. Near the Trivia, as I had antici- pated, I got a few specimens of the stumpy corals that I discovered the Trivia to be parasitic upon at the more southerly point. But it is not so much for the rehearsing of the “‘finds,” as for another matter, that has led me to mention the Bodega trip. While climbing over the bald and rocky Head, which has been roughened all over like a coarse rasp or file, by the weathering out of the softer components, leaving the harder quartz portion sticking out all over the surface in jagged tooth-like projections, hunting for anything in our line and getting nothing but some peculiarly rough specimens of Littorina planaxis; I heard a cry or call from the Doctor, and on looking up was unable to see him. He was not in sight; but a minute or two before he had been nearly at my side. For a moment my heart stopped beating; I thought he had fallen, or been washed or swept into the ocean. On scrambling over the rocks, | saw him just “ picking himself up,” a wave of unusual height and volume had struck him behind as he stood with his back to the sea, and had thrown him forward and down with great force, his hands, which he had extended to save himself as he fell, were badly cut by the sharp points of the quartz, and were bleeding considerably. It was bad enough as it was, but the shock I received at his momentary disappearance on that occasion, has remained as the chief souvenir of our Bodega expedition, which altogether was an unprofitable affair. Though the northerly distribution of Trivia Californica was by this visit shown to be a hundred miles further north than before credited. I am happy to know that my esteemed friend, though carrying the burden of many years. is still in rugged health, and continues io find the same pleasure in nature and the particular growth of natural form that he is so familiar with, that he did in the begin- ning, in the years before we met. As is generally known, many years ago the Newcombian Collection was purchased by Ezra S. Cornell, for the Cornell University, at Ithaca, N.Y.,and Dr. New- comb has been retained as custodian ever since its purchase. He is constantly active and adding to it every day. Long may he continue in life and health, is the wish of all who know him. R. £E. c. Stearns 4 The West American Scientist. THE. AMERICAN. CROSSBILE, The American Crossbill, Loxia Curvirostra, known also by the name of Red Crossbill, is one of the handsomest of our birds, as well as one of the mest peculiar. These birds have long been celebrated on account of the singular form of their beak, from which they derive their name. In these birds the two mandibles—which are rather long, thick at the base, and much curved, crossing each other at the noints, when the bill is closed. In different individuals, even of the same species, the upper and lower mandibles are found variously directed to the right and left. The structure, when first seen looks not unlike a malformation, and to prohibit the bird from picking up seeds or feeding itself in any way. But when seen feeding, it speedily proves itself to be favored with all the ordinary faculties of birds, and to be as capable of obtaining its food as any of the straight-beaked birds. | The Crossbills obtain their principle food, the seeds of firs and pines, by tearing up the cones. They bring the points of the mandibles together—which they can do so as to pick up a very small seed—and insert them into the cone, when a powerful lateral movement widens the opening quite sufficiently, and the tongue, which terminates in a singular movable scoop, is inserted to detach the seed. It is also very fond of apple-pips, and, settling on a tree where ripe apples are to be found, attacks the fruit with its beak, and in a very few moments cuts a hole fairly into the core, from The American Crossbill. 4 which it daintily picks out the seeds and eats them, rejecting the ripe pulpy fruit in which they have been enveloped. As the Crossbill is rather a voracious bird, the havoc which it will make in an orchard may be imagined. The male, as is the case with all birds, has the most beautiful plumage. The throat and breast are red, with here and there a few feathers of drab and yellowish-green; while the head and_ back are prettily colored with a variegated mixture of green, brown and red, all of which have a peculiar metallic lustre; wings black, turn- ing to a brownish hue at the shoulders; abdomen, drab; tail, black; tail coverts, bright red; bill, black, and three-fourths of an inch in length. Although Dame Nature has not decked the female with quite so lavish a hand, she is, nevertheless, very prettily arrayed. The throat, head and breast are clothed in a mixture of yellow, green, red and drab; back, red,green and black; tail feathers, black with white margin; tail coverts, bright yellow; abdomen, drab; wings, black and white. The total length of the Crossbill, from tip of beak to extremity of tail, is six inches. The tail has a very deep nitch in the end, which is very conspicuous when flying. The nest is generally built in fir trees in a somewhat secluded spot, and contains generally four greenish-white eggs, spotted and dotted with varying shades of lavender-brown, with a few heavy surface spots of dark purple-brown. The eggs average in size .75 by -56.—LNaluralist’s Companion. Pre Ad LTCIN Tf One Monday morning I set out with my dog on a mile and a half walk, to meet a friend with whom I had engaged to go on a rabbit hunt. I had the good luck to get a ride part of the way, and soon arrived at my friend’s house. After a little delay, we started with guns over our shoulders, and on our feet rubber boots suitable for wading in deep snow. We had not gone far when we heard near us the baying of hounds, and soon came upon two other hunters. One was an old dog-trainer who lived in the same town that I lived in, and with whom I had been hunting many times. He had with him a ferret, which we valued as highly as a boy values a gun. We told him that if he would come with us we would show him some rabbit holes, where he might use his ferret. He readily complied with our request, and we were soon walking briskly on, When we reached the hole he got down on his knees, cleared out the snow and leaves, took out his ferret very carefully, and let it go hesitatingly in. Meanwhile one of us stood at the other end of the hole, and placed his hands so that if the rabbit tried to run out, he must run between his fingers. After waiting a minute, the man {suddenly exclaimed, ‘I’ve got him,’ and lifted up a fine 6 The West American Scientist. large rabbit.. As I looked down on it, saw its large expressive eyes look pleadingly up to me, but I had not long to look, for the man gave a quick jerk with the hand around its neck, and it was dead. ‘What did I kill him for?’ exclaimed the man, ‘we might have had some fine sport. We could have thrown him into yon- der field and seen him run; he would not have stood any chance among so many dogs.’ And I find that this cruel sport is prac- ticed a good deal among sportsmen. They claim that it is to train the dog to chase rabbits, but I have come to the conclusion that it is done for sport as well, and have learned to pity the poor rabbit who is chased first by foxes and then by nounds, and at last flees to its hole in hope of 7 ee where it is frightened out by the cruel ferret and killed. LMA Welles NATORAL AIS TORT JO TILING»: Loco WeEeEps. The disease called ‘loco’ is by no means unfrequent in Custer county, and, as elsewhere, is attributed to the eating of certain Leguminose plants. In this district, at any rate, I think there can be no doubt that Oxytropis lamberti Pursh is the culprit; although it would appear that in California a species of Astragalus is held responsible, and another species, A. mollis- simus is stated (Rept. Comm. Agric. 1886, p. 75 and 1884 p. 124) to cause loco-poisoning in Colorado. So far as I know, O. lam- berti is found only on the Eastern slope in Colorado, but is gener- ally abundant when it occurs. APHODIUS VITTATUS SAY, FORMS NIGER AND NIGROMAR- GINATUS. At Haydens, Lake county, Col., on August 17th, I found specimens of this beetle, representing two varieties; the first entirely black, except for the merest trace of red on the elytra, and the other with the head and thorax black, but the elytra red- dish bordered with blackish. Until further and numerous speci- mens have been procured, it cannot be ascertained which is the prevalent form in Colorado, but it is noteworthy that in Europe, where similar variation obtains in A. plagiatus L., the dark variety is normal in England, while that with red dashes on the elytra is the common form on the continent. (See Wollaston, ‘The Varia- tion of Species,’ 1856, p. 61.) I have elsewhere (‘Entomologist, 1887, p. 58) attempted to show that a damp climate favors melanism, and the case of A. plagiatus supports this view; so we may expect that in Colorado the Nigromarginatus form of A. vittatus will prove commonest, owing to the dryness of the atmos- phere, although in Europe mountain forms are mostly dark. GERANIUM RICHARDSONI FORM ALBIFLORUM. I found this variety on September 15th in the Buzzard Creek Valley, Mesa Co., Col., together with the typical form. The variety had white flowers, and though agreeing in every other respect with G. Natural History Jottings. 7 Richardsoni F. and M., the cauline leaves were only 3-cleft, the radical ones being 6 to 7-cleft. SuccInEA. Although they have been described under different names by American authors, there can be no doubt that species of this Molluscan genus are common both to Europe and America. From a careful comparison of American specimens of Succinea ovalis Gould with European examples of S. pfeifferi Rossm. I united these two so-called species, and more recently I obtained a Succinea at Niagara Falls, which I find it impossible to distin- guish from the European S. putris Linn. S. pfeifferi has been recorded from Grand Co., Col., as S. ovalis by Ingersoll. LIMNGA PALUSTRIS FORM DECOLLATA. I found this variety, together with the type and a species of Sphoerium in a pond near Black Lake, Summit Co., Col., on August 29th. I originally described it from specimens obtained on Barnes Common, England, in 1885. CoLapTEs MEXxIcANus. . This interesting woodpecker is very frequent in Colorado, on both slopes of the mountains, During the summer they used to come in the early morning and peck at _the wooden tiles of our house (Swift Creek, near West Cliff), just in the manner related in Baird, Brewer and Ridgway’s ‘ History of North American Birds’ Mr. Ridgway now considers C. Mexicanus merely a geographical race of the Eastern C. Auratus Linn. , CAMNULA ATROX. On entering Leadville on August 18th, I found this locust very abundant in the streets, and the next day observed it in great profusion while crossing Fremont Pass. I also took it on August 29th on Black Lake Creek, Summit Co., in company with Arphia teporata Scudd., and an unidentified species (Hippiocus?) with orange underwings. C. Atrox appears therefore to be multiplying and extending its range eastward, as predicted in the Rept. Comm. Agric. 1885. I am told that extensive damage has been done by locusts this year about the Greenhorn Range, Col., but I have not been able to find out whether this species was responsible, or some other. COLORADO FAUNA AND FLora. I am doing what I can to- wards working out the fauna and floral of this State, and shall be very grateful to any of your readers for any help they may be willing to give, either by informing me concerning specimens they. have collected here, or referring me to published records relating to Colorado. Distance from libraries and centres of in- formation places obstacles in the way of ascertaining the recorded fauna of the State, which I would fain ask for help in removing. West Chit, Custer Co., Col., Dec..1887...7..D. A. Cockerell, J. G. Lemmon and wife, of Oakland, recently paid a long- deferred visit to San Diego, and propose to return again. 8 The West American Scientist. > RURTLES AAS PBES Among other queer pets, I at one time was the possessor of two specimens of the snapping-turtle. (Chelydra Serpentina). 3 One day while fishing I hooked the largest of these. turtles, which measured about eighteen inches in length, avd drew him, struggling, from the slimy depths of his native pond. The other turtle was captured by my brother in the following manner: While walking along the bank of a stream, he saw a small bird wildly fluttering to release itself from some invisible power which held it a prisoner. Approaching the bird, which proved to be a species of snipe, he discovered that its foot was firmly held in the strong jaws of a snapping-turtle, which had cunningly buried itself from sight in the mud, to wait for its prey. Releasing the bird, he © made the turtle in turn, a prisoner, and carried it home, where, it soon became a fellow prisoner with his larger brother. I used frequently to hitch these turtles before a small cart, and then, placing half a dozen or more of the little mud turtles in the cart, would give them a ride ‘ for their health. When hitched single, they would go very well, but sometimes I tried to drive them ‘tandem,’ and as they generally wished to go in opposite direc- tions, they were somewhat hard to manage. I kept my turtles for two or three months, when they climbed over a fence about two feet high, and escaped. Although I found these very interesting as pets, my favorites were the little turtles which are known as ‘tor.oises’ or ‘mud- turtles.’ They make fine pets as they are easily captured. easily kept, and rarely offer to bite. A small pond near my home con- tained great numbers of these turtles. They were easily caught by surprising them while sunning themselves in the shallow water of the pond, and then following their muddy tracks to the end, where a turtle was almost invariably to be found. My aquarium consisted of a common wash-tub, partially filled with water, with a goodly allowance of mud in the bottom; to prevent their climb- ing out I nailed slats around the edge of the tub, and a slanting board for the turtles to sun themselves upon, completed the arrange- ment of my miniature pond, the occupants of which at one time numbered seventeen; some of them were scarcely as large as a silver dollar. I gave them every morning a meal of earth-worms, and they learned to look for my coming, and would eat from my hands. Sometimes they would have trouble among themselves over the possession of a worm, and then they would fight long and stubbornly, the battle rarely ending until the worm in ques- tion parted in the middle. At one time one of the turtles, made anyry by teasing, suddenly closed his jaws upon the tail of a sleepy cat, which immediately showed such life as would have astonished her at any other time. A Boy Naturalist. San Francisco Microspical Society. i) SAN FRANCISCO MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. DECEMBER 15, 1887. A letter was received from Arthur J. Doherty of Manchester, England, relating to the demonstrations of preparing and mount- ing of microscopic objects which the society has engaged him to give in this city. Mr. Doherty is an excellent preparer of micros- copic material, and the members intend, on his arrival, to hold meetings every other evening for two weeks, each evening to be devoted to practical mounting ofa certain class of objects. A letter was read from J. C. Rumbock of Vienna, transmitting specimens of diatomaceous earths from Oemaru, New Zealand, and from Szent Peter and Szakei, in Hungary. ‘here were also donations of the same kind from William Irelan, State Mineralo- gist, one being diatomaceous earth from near Pioche, Nev., and the other from a deposit near the Edge Hill Vineyard, in Napa county. Mr. Riedy and Dr. Riehl reported upon a previous donation from Mr. Irelan from Shasta county, that the earth was rich in diatoms, but only a few forms were observable, and they of the commoner kinds. The announcement that a piece of the society’s apparatus was held in the New York Custom House for payment of duty when the society is, by law, entitled to the admission of its property duty free, induced a discussion on the subject of the admission ef all microscopical instruments, whether for the society or for individual ‘investigators. Dr. Mouser thought a memorial ought to be pre- pared and transmitted to Congress, and believed it would secure the support of the Congressman from this district. The wisdom of such a policy on the part of the Government was urged, because it would really aid the scientific investigator, while the present tariff continually oppresses and hampers him. After a general discussion of the subject a committee to prepare a memorial to Congress was appointed as follows: Henry C. Hyde, Dr. S. M. Mouser, Dr. J. M. Selfridge. Dr. H. W. Harkness called the attention of the society to the statement of F. Lamson Scribner, United States Mycologist, that the Peronvspora viticola was not found in this State. Dr. Hark- ness stated that he had found it as early as 1872, and an account of its occurrence was published in the bulletin of the California Academy of Sciences for June, 1887. Edwara J. Wickson, Rec. Sec. The ‘Santa Clara cae Agassiz Association’ chapter has recently been organized at the office of that journal. Louise Me Francis, assistant editor Santa Clara Valley, San Jose, Cal., the chapter’s address. fads: TO The West American Scientist. THE MISSOUORT RIVER BLUEF DEPOSIT “ I have been asked to speak to you of some of the more distine- tive features of Western Geology, and have decided to talk to-day of what is known as the ‘ Bluff Deposit’ of the Missouri River valley. This deposit is to be observed, and has been studied along some other rivers of our central system, and yet it reaches its greatest development and possesses the greatest interest along this valley, so we will confine ourselves to the * Big Muddy,’ if you please. It has been my privilege. to make a rather thorough study of the formation as it is exhibited at Council Bluffs, lowa: and on down the river to Kansas City, and this article will be written partly from my own observations and partly from the work of our various geological surveys. _ This bluff system differs radically from what is usually known by that name along the valleys of rivers in other parts of the country, both as regards its origin, its chemical composition and physical character. Whenever a stream of water, free from too great an admixture of sedimentary material, begins to. flow over the surface of the earth, the natural tendency is to form a bed by cutting down into the earth, to deepen and at the same time narrow the channel This is due to what is called the erosive power of the water, and the rapidity of its action depends upon the velocity of the current and the character of the material through which the bed is cut. Start at the bed of any well marked stream and as you go back from the stream you will find the banks of the valley rising as they recede, and in very many cases you will be able to mark the higher levels that have constituted the river bed at successive stages of its growth. These modelings of the surface and rocky bluffs, due to the,erosive power mentioned above, constitute what is generally known as the bluffs of our river systems. The Missouri river steps in here and asserts its independence of all established custom. renounces its adherence to fashion, and founds a system of bluffs upon a new plan. Instead of being the result of erosion, these bluffs have been produced by a process of accretion and deposition of sediment. The exact origin of this sediment has been disputed by the many geological authorities who have studied and published it, tut it is recognized as a formation equivalent to the Loess of the Rhine and other European rivers. Dr. Owen called the material a ‘siliceous marl.’ and others ‘siliceous loam.’ Prof. Swallow, of Missouri, applied the name “bluff,’’? which is accepted in lieu of something more satisfactory from a strictly scientific point of view. The composition of several specimens of the material taken in Iowa, according to Prof. Emery’s report (Geology of Iowa, 1870) is about 82% of. silica, 9% of carbonate of lime, 3% of iron and less The Missourt River Bluff Debosit. BE tan one per cent. of alumina, or clay, which latter feature please bear in mind. As to its origin—that is the agency through which it was depo- sited—it has been agreed that it is of what is called lacustrian, or lake origin, or in other words it is a sedimentary deposit from suspension in the quiet waters of a lake. Some formerly urged that this material is co-original with that which is recognized as glacial drift ; but there are two objections to that theory, namely, the absence of alumina, or clay, which always characterizes the glacial drift ; and,secondly, there is found underlying the bluff deposit the bed of true boulder clay. That it is not, on the other hand, of very recent origin is proven by the fact that in some localities the tormations known as terraces, belonging to the Ter- tiary Epoch are observed upon its surface, or moulded from it Fossils of the Post Tertiary Period are found in it. comprising’ almost entirely mollusks, which are closely allied or identical with existing species of fresh water mollusks. When these things are all considered, geologists feel safe in concluding that immediately upon the recovery of the country from the allopathic dose of ice which had been administered by the Gods of the North, and while our friend, the Big Muddy, was fed by such an extreme amount of water from the melting ice-sheet as it receded, that it filled a channel so very wide and lake-like as to be scarcely defined as a channel at all, the bluff material was deposited. That the beds were deposited evenly and without a change of level of the country, as some have argued, is proven by the evenness of texture of the material. for you are doubtless all aware that any fluctuation in the velocity of a stream, as affected by a change of the level of its bed, can be certainly detected by a corresponding variation in its sedimentary deposits. |The bed of this lake stream, then, it may be decided, was at a constant level. These bluffs now con,titute long chains, or ridges, parallel to the stream, and observable for many miles along it in continuous chains. This feature becomes less and less prominent as we go back from:the river, and is soon lost in the rolling surface of the prairie. This prominent bluff character along the riveris due toa secondary action of the water in eroding, or cutting down through the material after its deposition as the stream shrank and was relieved of some of its detritus. / Starting from Creston, Iowa, on the line of the C.,B. & QO. R. R. we go directly west through this same tier of counties to the river, a distince of about ninety miles, without seeing anything to excite remark or to arouse any suspicion of the existence of the bluff material until we reach the town of Glenwood. Here it is that the railroad cuts through the line of the bluffs, and it then runs almost due north between the river and the line to Council Bluffs, a distance of about ten miles, giving one an T2 The West American Sctentist. excellent opportunity to study the physical character of the formation. “tis The first thing, in all probability, that will attract the attention of the unaccustomed observer will be the abrupt manner in which the bluffs from the flood-plain of the river, which stretches without undulation sometimes for four or five miles, I should judge, to the westward from the foot of the bluff-chain. This feature is indeed remarkable when we take into consideration that they contain 82% of silica, or sand. The angle at,which dry sand finds its repose is less than 35 degrees, but here we can see walls composed almost wholly of quartz sand rising to a great height and main- taining an angle, which I measured at various places, at 65 degrees—so steep indeed that it is impossible for a human being only ordinarily gifted to scale the slope. This high angle main- tained is due to the presence of lime and iron which have, in the course of time, partially cemented the sand grains together. This angle of 65 degrees of which I have spoken is not universal, but is quite frequently observed, more particularly near the summits of the bluffs. This process of cementation has gone so far that the great angle of inclination is not affected, or is affected but very slightly, by the action ot rains or other similar agencies. In many places railroad cuts have been made through the bluff material, and a perpendic- ular wall will be left which will remain standing unaltered for years. This feaiure is beautifully presented in the neighborhood of St. Joseph, Mo., and to the southward. Wagon roads have been cut through the material near Leavenworth and in Missouri, just across the river, which have left perpendicular walls many feetin height, and these have remained standing without a particle of change that can be observed for many years, although the material is light in character,sand can be easily crumbled in the hand. : Another feature of the bluffs at Council Bluffs, and at other places, more particularly in the northern part of the bluff-covered area. is the absence of the luxurious timber growth which almost invariably characterizes. our river valleys. In many places there is a plentiful growth of scrub elm and oak a round the bases of the bluffs, and here and there thick growths of this dwarfed tim- ber will be seen making a rush up the precipitous slopes, in a manner suggestive of the attempts of a body of soldiery to scale some disputed and coveted point, but only in rare instances has the body succeeded in placing its banner on the top. » As we go inland, or back from the river, and the prominent bluff character is lost; we frequently find the entire face of the tormation thickly wooded; but where the bluff formation is most pronounced the tops are always bare in the northerly regions — even the grasses. do not attain to the usual luxuriance, but everywhere the pale buff colored bluff earth is visible, while just at the foot of the hills A Sharp Family. I} ‘is the rich alluvial soil of the river bed, wonderfully prolific of the vegetation belonging to this locality. As we go southward along the valley this treelessness is not so marked, “but the entire river bluff is frequently heavily wooded, and it is predicted that the same thing wiil soon be the case in Iowa. Analyses show that the soil is most admirably adapted to sustain vegetation, only requiring the agency of organic matter to perfect its usefulness in this direction. One other thing which has been hinted at above, and which is ~ worthy of note, is the general fineness of the material, although the boulder clay is immediately beneath it; and in many places along the valley I have seen it resting upon sandstone and lime- stane outcropping here and there. The material of which the bluffs are composed in Iowa and Missouri and Nebraska is supposed to have been derived from the sandy and chalky beds of the Tertiary and Cretaceous ages of the upper Missouri valley. There are no paleontological evidences of such derivation, but it is inferred from the similarity of the chemical composition of the bluff soil to that of the beds named. If I were to continue this article until I had described every- thing connected with the deposit which possesses any interest to the geologist, the limits assigned to me would have to be indefin- itely extended, and so, observant of the abrupt character of the bluffs themselves, I will bring this paper to an abrupt close. W. R. LIGHTON. a eine PANTIE YY THE CACLE SES. THE HATCHET CACTUS. One of the most interesting of cactuses is the Pelecyphora, remark- able for its peculiar structure. It is closely related to the mamillarias, of which we shall speak later, having a short cylindrical stem covered with mamiulla or tubercles of a flattened form, which has been supposed to bear some resemblance to a hatchet, as the generic name implies. In the place of spines are two rows of flat horny scales, which overlap like the tiles of a roof. The flowers are one to one and a half inches in diameter, and borne near the summit of the ~plant. There are several series of == sepals and petals, and numerous sta- Ss = mens and stigmas to the flower. Pelecyphora Aselliformts. Pelecyphora aselliformis, figured 14 The West American Scie.xtist. above, is the principle species. It requires a sandy soil, eood drainage, and very careful supplies of water. It is usually grown from seeds, which germinate freely in moderate heat. It is very rare, and found in few collections. P. pectinata, also quite rare, differs slightly in structure. A monstrosity of this is given in the horticultural name of P. pecti- nata var. cristata, and as usual with malformations of any plant, are exceedingly rare. LEUCHTENBERGIA. Another very-inter- esting genus, in a botanical point of view, 1s Leuchtenber- gia, of which the prin- cipal characters known to me are shown in the accompanying fig - ure of, I believe, the only species. The flowers are of a rich, clear yellow tint. PFEIFFERA. This Mexican genus, named in honor of the noted naturalist, Pfeit- Leuchtenbergia Principts. fer, contains but a single species, with triangular or quadrangular stems and white rose-tinted flowers. It is named P. cereiformis, from its some- what resembling a cereus. CR ORCUTIE Attention is called to the great variety in the table of contents of The Century for January. Its subjects embrace an authoritative account of the formation of Lincoln’s Cabinet in the history by the President’s private secretaries, with many unpublished letters; Mr. Kennan’s startling record of personal investigations of ‘Russian Provincial Prisons;’ Professor Atwater’s valuable and practical paper on the ‘ Pecuniary Economy of Food;’ an illus- trated article on ‘ The Catacombs of Rome,’ by the Rev. Dr. Philip Schaff; in art and literature a critique-and personal sketch ot John Ruskin by Mr. Stillman, with an excellent portrait for the frontispiece of the number; in sport ‘ An Elk-Hunt on the Plains,’ by Schwatka, with drawings by the younger Inness; in travel ‘The Upper Missouri and the Great Falls’ by E. V. Smalley, (illustrated); and many other interesting articles, k:ditorial. 15 ORIGINAL: BIRD > NODES: MARCH 26, 1887, I found a nest of the Shore Lark containing four eggs. Incubation was far advanced, showing that the nest must have been commenced early in the nonth. "I think this is the earliest nesting on record.—S. H Henry, Bonaparte, Lowa. ON THE 17th of January, 1887, I saw a chimney swallow here. It remained about fifteen minutes. Flenry R. ‘Shispilés. West Chester, Pa. On CHESTNUT RIDGE, Mount Pleasanton, Pa., a pheasant was shot, whose feathers were of the purest white, excepting a few brown. feathers on the wings and tail. Gi D,, Story: HERE Is A LIST of the arrival of some of our birds at Leaven- worth, Kansas: January 13th, robin and blue bird ; February 2oth, the blue jay; February 22nd, black bird, meadow lark and barn swallow. Louts R. Lighton. THE PurpLeE LINNET. This beautiful and cheerful little song- ster arrives from the south about the beginning of April. Its _ head, breast and rump are of a deep lake color, approaching to crimson, and fading into rose color underneath. The feathers on the back are brownish lake, fringed with ash, producing a spotted appearance; wings and tail dusky, edged with reddish-white, tail forked, length six inches. Their nests are usually built on cedars, firs, or other evergreen trees. The eggs are a bright emerald green. These birds are often tamed and kept in cages where they sing very sweetly. W. A. A. EDILTORIAL. .Owing to an oversight, several articles in the December issue of this magazine, taken from the Collectors Miustratea Magazine, then in press, were not properly credited, but appeared as original. We refer to the articles by Rev. Stephen Bowers and H. R. Tay- lor especially in this connection. Zhe Collectors ILlustrated Magazine is a new monthly, edited and publisbed by E.M. Haight, our agent at Riverside, Cal., and we would not do him injustice in this manner. ‘How the Platypus breeds,’ from the Australian Exchange, together with the editor’s note, we are indebted to the same source for also. Vol. IV should have commenced with our last issue, but as the paging was continued for Vol: III, we are compelled to begin the fourth volume with the new year. The Old Curiosity Shop, formerly published at Jamestown, N. Y., will hereafter be issued from San Diego by the editor of this magazine. Will M. Clemens, the former editor, will con- tinue in that position. The example set by the organizing of a chapter of the Agassiz Association at the office of our contemporary, the Sazta Clara 16 The West American Sctentist. Valley, San Jose, Cal., is a good one to follow. Those who wish to form a chapter in this city are invited to co-operate with the editor of this magazine. Dr. R. E. C. Stearns gives his pleasant recollections of the venerable conchologist, Dr. Simon Newcomb, the second sketch in the series of ‘ Reminiscences.’ Another new year is at hand. What will it yield us? A happy new year. ‘Yea, hope and despondency, pleasure and pain, The sunshine and rain.’ NECROLOG Y. Dr. FERDINAND VAN VERE HAYDEN died at his residence in Philadelphia, Dec. 22, 1887, atter a protracted illness. He was of Puritan descent, born in Westfield, Mass., September 7, 1829. He was a distinguished scientist and widely known as a geologist. He entered Oberlin College when 16 years old and graduated. He was a member of the National Academy of Science, and» honorary and corresponding member of a large number of scien- tific bodies in foreign countries. He occupied more than twenty years in expeditions to the great West, and has extended his investigations over a great portion of Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico, Dakota, Montana, Idaho and Utah. Among his publications were ‘The Great West: its Attractions and Resources,’ in 1880, and ‘ North America,’ in 1883. AMONG THE MAGAZINES. The Budget is profusely illustrated. The Swiss Cross deserves a wide circulation. With THE WEST ‘AMERICAN SCIENTIST, $2.00 a year. | The Cottage Hearth, one of the best home magazines, $1.50 a year, will be sent with this magazine one year for only $1.50. Sample free by addressing the pubiisher at Boston. Whittier’s beautitul poem, telling the legend of ‘The Brown Dwarf of Rugen,’ will delight all the readers of this number. It is illustrated by the frontispiece and other drawings by E. H. Blashfield. Mrs. Burnett continues her fascinating story, ‘Sara Crewe; or, What Happened at Miss Minchin’s,’ with the excellent ilustra- tions by R. B. Birch; and Mr. Stockton concludes ‘The Clocks of Rodaine,’ which began in the December number. The Century, as usual, is loaded with good reading. Buy it and read the table of contents, and you will read the rest. A Glance at Books. 17 The American Geologist comes to our table, containing 68 pages of reading, with illustrations. Six of our leading American geolo- gists, have combined to publish this much needed magazine for one year. It should receive sufficient support to ensure its con- tinued publication, It will be issued monthly at Minneapolis, ~Minn., at $3.00 a year. OUR NEWSPAPER | FILE. The Youth's Companion will give in the current volume, among other articles upon science and travel, a series of sketches of actual experiences at sea, by Clark Russell; Tricks in mind-reading,’ by Dr. Chas. S. Minot, who has often exposed these impostures; ‘ Animals with more than two eyes, by Henry Walker; ‘ Harvard Students on Cape Cod,’ a description of a natural history expedi- tion and of the discoveries, by W. W. Nolan, and ‘Among the Blue-Nose Fisher-Folk,’ by J. M. Oxley. J. G. Wood, C. F. Holder, John Burroughs and Arabella B. Buckley are among others who will contribute facts and incidents in natural history to this excellent family paper. WEeGLANCE Ar LOOKS. ANALYTICAL MECHANICS’, an elementary treatise by William G. Peck, Ph. D., LL. D., of Columbia College; comes to us from the press of A. S. Barnes & Co., New York. The book was designed as a text book for the School of Mines, and other col- leges and schools of science, but is adapted to the needs of the practical mechanic, treating as it does of the application of princi- ples of mathematics and physics to mechanical engineering. It embraces the result of much practical experience. THE JOURNAL OF THE ELISHA MITCHELL SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY, January to June, 1887, contains some interesting contributions on trap-door spiders by G. F. Atkinson, and a sketch and biblio- graphy of N. M. Hentz. Frank Cushing, of Washington, well-known for his archeologi- cal investigations among the Zuni Indians, is now in San Fran- cisco, devoting himself to Chinese subjects. He has been contending that the Chinese mythic language is the same as the Zuni, and further says that he will agree to translate any Chinese myth represented on the Chinese stage by means of his knowledge of the Zuni myths. Abundant rains give promise of an excellent season for the farmer and botanist. 18 The West American Sctentzist. WONDERFUL MICA. Mica, although one of the most common of minerals, is also one of the most interesting. Some of its varieties are the first specimens collected by the beginner, while others are often the last to find their way into the cabinet of the mineralogist. Take from the cabinet the mica group and the collection is robbed of’ some of its choicest minerals. What other mineral has the per- fect cleavage, and the brilliant polish of mica; and what other mineral will separate into those delicate flexible plates? Mica has truly wonderful qualities. What collection would be complete without the beautiful rose and lilac lepidolites. a mineral found in so few localities, principally Maine, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Leridolite contains from two to five per cent. of the rare earth hithia, that imparts to the blow-pipe flame a deep crimson color. Specimens from Rumford, Maine, are often penetrated with slender crystals of pink tourmaline, while from other local- ities in the State plates of muscovite surrounded by lepidolite are often completely changed to the latter mineral. Associ- ated with lepidolite (in all three states) are those wonderful colored tourmalines that have made the Mt. Mica locality at Paris, Me., so famous. Clevelandite is also found in connection with both, generally the gangue. From Branchville, Conn., comes another curious curved mica, and some of the specimens would resemble a mass of silvery soap bubbles, while in others may be seen the gradual change from the foliated through the curved to the semi-globular. The gangue is often pure while albite, which gives the mica a pleasing background. Spherical mica from Bennington, Vt., is another old form, brilliant balls from one- fourth to one and one-fourth inches in diameter protrude from the granite matrix. The plumosed variety with the scales arranged in plume-like form is a very desirable specimen. At Mineral Hill, Delaware Co., Pa., has been found the interesting mineral vermiclite, a mineral belonging to the chlorite group but related to the micas. When heated this mineral will expand forty times its original size. Its color is green, but after heating becomes white. Perhaps the most useful and the only mica that has an economical value is the variety ‘muscovite,’ from mines in Alstead, N. H., have been taken sheets four feet across. In 1883 a single mass weighing 512 lbs. was also discovered. The best quality is used principally in stove manufactories, while the poor quality, clippings, etc , are ground up to be used as a lubricant for machinery and for fire proof packing. There are numerous mineral substances that owe many of their interesting qualities to some form of mica. Take tor instance the gem stone aventurine quartz, which is simply transparent quartz spangled with scales of mica. That interesting flexible sandstone (itacolumite), the very gangue of the diamond itself owes much of its flexibility to hydrous mica.— ¥% ¥. Alton in the Collectors Ills. Magazine. : add four cents extra for postage. cts. or less,taken for amounts less than one dollar. Birds’ Eggs. Eggs are all strictly first-class and such as | have i in sets with data are indicated by a *. ‘The numbers correspond to the new A. O. U. check list. No. NAME. PRICE EACH. Mere Western Grebe. .2. 6.7. 2.5: $ 25 ST ie ee or re 10 Srevemuited Putin ...0.../2....... 45 emeetrerine Cll... of yee... 15 Seem eameiine Gull... 25) ofa os. IO pose Gull-billed Fern: ..........3.. Io 64 Caspian SOMME bcd 24h 25 *69 Forster’s SAL e aoe as 2. ite) Pameisiaek okitimer... <2). 4:).-.2- 08 120 Double-crested Cormorant. .. 15 F192 Great White Heron .......... 60 mammenapper Rail... 206: oe ser fae 05 MUU TCL Oa shes se ane eee we wee « i ais feeeopotie di Sandpiper. ....%:..... 08 MEIN PIOVET 22 ob ocd ete 30 meno Wilson's ‘*. wos. eect ees 15 *286 American Oystercatcher...... 35 Sere Tae PICT. 2. eke eee dnl es ite) meat key Vulture 2. 06s Sais + 40 moe owainson’s Hawk .:.. 22-05... 50 366 American Long-Eared Owl.. 30 373 California: Mottled Owl........ 35 *406 Red-headed Woodpecker..... 05 Me ewer. 6. fe ca cee O4 430 Costa’s Humming Bird reat n.60 431 Anna’s es aS Ray OS ro Oe 4o SESS 06 0) err 10 464 Baird’s Flycatcher ... ia seats 6) BEMIRCCW JAY: ose ek 65 mea wart Cowbird:......05..... 18 “497 Yellow Headed Blackbird.... 04 aa ieapland Longsptr.... ....... 40 Sree pureed Towhee:............. 15 Same ehexan Cardinal...:....2..... 4o *€o1 Painted Bunting... : iene fe @meeeocatict Tanager.:....5+...... 15 memvarvling VireO....°........ 2% IO mean White-eyed Vireo............ 08 Mueieil S VITCO.... 2.2... eee ee 08 mor ~Black Poll Warbler...:..:.... 4O Sepmeverm, Bid 4.2 2's... ln. 08 681 Maryland Yellow-throat...... 06 ME tet te a ee ee se IO #53 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher..... es Foreign Copper Coins. Great Britain, Ye penny, Geo. II. IO “” Victoria. 05 2 i Medattmitie Ss S05 ing ce I c¢ c¢ lau- eR a a a 05 RIVERSIDE, reated MI es aac sb vels cela a Biidress all Bidets to i : Ti he West American Scientist. UR MONTHLY BARGAIN LIST ( Trerms—Cash, with order, and if in any amount less than fifty cents, Postage Stamps in denomination of ro Great Britain, 1 farthing, Geo. IV....$ 10 A I penny, 4 HE: IO “ a % ce pint 10 ‘ s I : Victoria... 03 a. * 1 farthing, Geo. IT. ... 20 Honduras, provisional money, rude, SSRIS Ze ls oir Gee aa Ome ate 15 Mexico, I centavo, nickel. Bora ec Rae 05 BIO. geo ai ts ge ANea erat taal y ua OF os 5 5 i be Ok Feri ete eee ite) Flanover; DPINNIe si. ieee es awe 05 ‘5 2 5 REE A Ma ER or oF Dols 10 " Oy EADESE LL a. Saas Shar: 10 Rome, 4th ‘itonee coins, found in dig- ging Suez canal, 1500 years old.. 12 india, Old: Gunips 05) ocean if) Denmark, Frederick VII, 1 skilling.. 05 Sweden, 2% skilling, Frederick VI . 10 Japan sold Set, “SCATCe,2).4..12.ay 2 or 50 Peru, provisional money, scarce, 5 GUI tha, fs, Sava lg avs ere aka NaS, ee oa an 20 Peru, provisional money, scarce, Io CEE AN OS are eos sepsis din,s @ na/atabe Sus aie tore 20 PiGhanas G-COnt 32:6 2< sas «sce deat oe 10 France, 5 centimes, Nap. IH eae O5 a ee 05 ih laureated head Nap. HI mall Ahad wn we ee ae eae 10 TATE PECTIN. 6. sine ‘avelsin, (ates atemeg ae 15 Portugal, largoe coin: Of. oC ieinc 2 a aia 20 Eeypt.20 para,: (silveréd) We handle the products of this county, and ask for orders for Honey, Beeswax, San Diego Raisins, Lemons, Oranges, Etc., Ete. Please mention this magazine in writing to advertisers, The West American Scientist, a ‘$. TRovsLor & Co, 37 AND 39 COLLEGE AVENUE, gee =O Se LNT DEA a, ARE HEADQUARTERS FOR (2S BR a aa we ee ee a NS) SS Se lao eye ol ao be We recently purchased Frank H. Lattin’s entire stock, which, with our previous large stock and ijate purchases, places us in a position to fill orders peampily and satisfactorily. Try us. List free. SSNPS SPW io SRE oles a SR aS pe aa ee Our cork is the best and cheapest in the market. Our pins have no su- periors as to quality, and no competitors as to price, quality considered. Our setting boards are equal to the best and cheap as the cheapest. TASIDERIMZT SUPPLIES. Glass eyes, tools, poisons, stuffing materials, embalming chemicals, etc., ete. List free. Soloel.eoaw GOooDs. Drills of all kinds, Blow-pipes, Callipers and Calliper Rules, Embryo Hooks, Pencils, ete., ete. We have the following first-class e@gs for sale, either single or in sets. Many of them we have in quantities. ‘There are a few varieties, however, that we only have a few of. While we always strive to fill all orders in full, we would ask that you specify several ‘‘extras’’ to allow for possible ‘‘outs’’. All specimens post paid at prices mentioned. N. A. BIRD EGGS.—Ridgeway’s Nomenclature. 1, 10c; 4a, 45c; 11, 10c; 12, 3; 13, 4; 22, 3¢; 49, 25c; 56, 25c; 60, 25c; 63, 5c; 67, 5c; 88c, 30; 98, 5c; 122, 20c; 123, 10c; 135, 15c; 145, 25c; 149, 25c; 149a, 20c; 152, 20c; 153, 5c; 154, 5c; 157, 5c; 161, 25c; 164, 25; 170a, 8c; 181, 6c; 182, 20; 183, 20; 197, 6c; 198, 20c; 198a, 55ce; 202, 35c; 204, 12c; 204a, 20c; 207, 70c; 211, 3c; 211a, 20c; 217, 30c; 231, 3c; 231, 10c; 237, 20c; 238a, 30c; 240b, 20c; 242, 9c; 244, 18c; 248, 12c; 251, 20c; 254, 12c; 258, 5c; 258a, 45c; 260, 10c; 261, 3c; 261la, 10c; 262, 18c; 264, 15c; 270, 10c; 272, 20c; 274, 10c; 275, 55c; 277, 18c; 278. 7c; 278b, 7c; 232, 8c; 286, 45c; 289, 5c; 301, 18c; 312, 15c; 324, 28c; 358, 70c; 361, 23c; 372, 28; 378, 5c; 378b, 15c; 387, 18c; 395, 60c; 402, 48c; 439a, $1.20; 455, $1.00; 460, 7c; 470a, $1.00; 480, 11ce; 480b, 20c; 482, 15c; 490, 18c; 492, 18c; 494, 10c; 495, 15¢; 496, 45c; 522, 35¢e; 555. 35c; 569, 20c; 57], 1dc; 573, 45c; 574, 13¢; 578, 95¢e; 579, 15c; 580, 138¢c; 585, 95c; 606, 10c; 640, 95c; 643. 35c; 6438a, 30¢; 645, 85c; 650, 30c; 656, 20c; 658, 65¢; 663 , Be; 668, 60c; 669, 80c; 688, 18c; 690, 10c, 723, 25c; 735, 15c; 743, 35; 763, ‘25; 763a, 35c; 325a, 28c. We will exchange for any variety in any quantity at half our list rates. For eggs not in our collection we will allow full rates. Send for list of specimens we desire. SPECIAL NWOTICE. All parties ordering goods from any of our supply lists, amounting to $2.00, will receive THe Wrst AMERICAN Scientist, free, for one year, per special arrangement with it’s publisher, C. R. Orcutt. All ordering eggs or curiosities, from any of our lists, amounting to $1.25, will receive I'HzE WEST AMERICAN ScIENTIST, free, for one year. ~Send stamps for amounts of $1.00 or less, over $1.00 Postal Note, Ex- press Oraer, P. O. Money Order or Draft. Order now while we have a big stock to select from and get the best. ae The West American Sctentist ost GILLOT Pg Steel Jlews FOR ARTISTIC USE in fine drawing, Nos. 659 (Crowquull), 290 and FOR FINE WRITING, Nos. 303 and Ladies’, FOR BROAD WRITING, Nos. 294, 389 and Stub Point, 849. FOR GENERAL WRITING, Nos. 332, 404, 390 and 604. Joseph Gillott & Sons, 91 John St., N. Y. HENRY HOE, Sore AGENT, Sold by ALL DEALERS throughout the World. Gold Medal Paris Exposition, 1878. 2gt. 170. lai 4) Per dM a ited Tecdas A Fortnightly Journal, Devoted to the work of establishing Ethics and Relig on wpon the basis of Science, 169—75 LA SALLE STREET, Chicago, Ils. B. F. UnpERwoop, - - Editor and Manayer. SARA A UNDERWOOD, - - Assstant Editor. The subject of this Journal is to substitute rational thought on the subject of religion, for tradition and superstition; and with this view, it secures the ablest writers of the old worlé and the new, as con- tributors, Among those who write for the “Open Court” are: Max Mueller, Richard A. Proctor, Albert Reville, Danicl Greenleaf Thompson, (Professor in Colleze of France) Prof Lester M. Ward, John Burroughs, Thos. Davidson, Alfred H. Peters, Dr. Felix L. Oswald, W. J. Potter, F, M. Holland, Ednah D. Cheney, Dr. S V. Clevenger, Theodore Stanton, M. J. Savaze, Monenre D. Conway, Prof. Henry C. Adams, Geo. Jacob Holy- oake, Edmund Montgomery, W. L. Garrison, Jun. Gen, M.M. Trumbull, Prof. W. D. Gunning, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Annie Garlin Spencer, Clara Lanza, Hetatia Bradlaugh Bonner, W. M. Salter, Dr. Paul Carns, J. W.. Chadwick. _fERMS, $3.00 PER YEAR. Address, Open Court, P. O., Drawer i’, Chicago, Ills THE SAN DIEGO UNION. Persons wishing accurate information respecting the Southern part of California should subscribe for Tue UNION. Sample copies sent on application. TERMS: THE WSEKLY UNION. THK DAILY UNION. One Year. .4.1. 60% $3.00 | One Year.........$10.00 Six Months....,.. . 1.50! Six Months....... 5.00 Three Months...... -75 | Three Months..... 2.50 One Month.......... -25 | One Month.... ... 1.00 Address, ‘THE UNION, San Diego, Cal. A. WENTSCHER, GENERAL COMMISSION FORWARDING AND SHIPPING. San Diego, Cal, dress TRUE & Co., Augusta, Maine. 32.44. Mention this magazine to advertisers. AMERICAN Monthly Microscopical Journal. A periodical for all who use micro- scopes, either professtonad/y or as amateurs. ‘I am much pleased with the Journal, and have — received much valuable information.’ | ‘IT learn many new things from it,and I am sure | that it is the case with all who read it.’ : Av Specimen copies sent an application. Editor, HENRY L OSBORNE, Ph. D, Lafayette, Indiana. Business Manager, RUFUS W. DEERING, Washington, DC. THE CONCHOLOGISTS’ EXCHANGE monthly publication, devoted to Conchologists and their interests. Scientists generally will find it to their interests to subscribe to this paper as ‘exchange’ columns aae provided for the disposal of — Shells, Scientific Specimens generally, and Book Subscription price, Vol,. 11, 50 cents; sample copy oB application. Address WM. D. AVERELL, Editor and Publisher, Chestnut Hi 1, Philadelphia, Pa. Send for Cataiogue of the ACME MICROSCOPES: Clearance Sale, Catalogue and sample copy of the Micro- scopical Bulletin tree. JAS. W. QUEEN, Manufact’g Opticiens PHILADELPHIA Rewarded are those whe read this and then act; they will find honorable em- ployment that will not take them from RIGHLY their homes and families. The profits are large and sure for every industrious per on, many | upwards per day, whois willing to work. Either sex, reader, can do it as well as any one. Write to us at Hs Sea Wonders exist in thousands of forms, of that can be done while living at home, should sex, of all ages, can earn from $9 to $25 per day and a single day at this work. All succeed. 32.44. among the wonders of inventive out separating the workers from their homes. Pay ed; you are started free Cut this out and return to- which will bring you in more money right away, than — have made and are now making several huudred dol- lars a month, It is easy for any one to make $5 and young or old; capital not needed; we start you. Everything new. No specia}) abilit) required; you, once for full particulais, which we mail free. Ad- dress Stinson & Co., Portland, Maine, 32.44. butaresurpas ed by the marvels ofinvention, Those who sare in need of profitable work at once send their address to Hallet & Co., Portland, Maine, and reccive free, full information how either upwards wherever they live. You are started free. Capital not required. Some have made over $50 in has revolutionized the world during VENT i the last ha‘'f century. Not least- progress is a method and system of — work that can be performed all over the country with- liberal; any one can do the work; either sex, young or old; no special ability required. Capital not need- ; us and we will send you free, something of great value — and importance to you, that will start you in business, anything else in the world. Grand outft free. Ad- , 2 The West American Scientist. The West American Scientist. @—2 ESTABLISHED 1884,c2%9 CHARLES RUSSELL ORGUTT, Editor, -~- - $San Diego, Galifornia. Associate Editors :—Prof. Josiah Keep, Mills College, Cal.; W. R. Lighton, San Diego, Cal. R. B. Trouslet, Valparaiso, Ind.; Wm. E. Loy, 423 Clay St., San Francisco, Cal. THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SAN DIEGO SOC/ETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. An ilustrated monthly magazine, devoted to the recording of original investigations and thought and the popularizing of the natural sciences. Eminent American scientists are contributors, among whom are Drs. C. C. Parry, Geo. Vasey, L. G. Yates, R. E. C. Stearns, Professors Josiah Keep, E. L. Greene, Carl C. Marshall, Messrs. L. Belding, M. Lopatecki, Geo. F. Kunz, Mrs. Rosa 8. Eigenmann, L M. Smith, ‘E. E.’, and many others. TO ADVERTISERS. Its circulation in San Diego County is doubtless not greatly exceeded by any publication, while bona fide subscribers reside in nearly every State and Territory in the Union and in various foreign countries. It is the first and only purely scientific journal recognized west of the Rocky Mountains. It was the first magazine issued from San Diego—a city of 25,000 inhab- itants, or from San Diego County, with 50,000 people within its limits. RATES:—Ten cents per line nonpareil; $1.00 an inch; $15.00 per page, for each insertion. The editor reserves the privilege of refusing any undesirable advertise- ment and of discontinuing any found to be such. Positions guaranteed only to page advertisements engaged by the year at special rates. No extra charge for insertion of cuts when furnished. Terms, Cash with order. Six insertions rated as five; twelve insertions (one year) rated as ten, when paid in advance. Tro SWBSCRIBERS., The Magazine will not be discontinued to subscribers until so ordered. The price is $1.00 a year, when paid in advance; $1.25, if not so paid. Ten dollars paid at any one time entitles the subscriber to a copy for life, or so long as the magazine may he published. Subscription price for Great Britain, five shillings. Back numbers, with a few exceptions, can be ob- tained at 10 cents each. Remit by express or Post Office money orders, pay- able to C, R. Orcutt. W. R. LIGHTON, Business Manager. Subscription and Advertising Agents: F. R. Wermore & Co., San Diego, California. E. M. Hateut, Riverside, California. R B.Trovstot & Co., Valparaiso, Indiana. W. P. Coxtins, 157 Gt. Portland St., London, England. Address thE WEST..AMERICAN: SCHSBELIS ., San Diego, California. The West American Sctenttst. COLORS FOR NATURALISTS A Nomenclature of Colors for Naturalists, and Compendium of Useful Knowledge for Ornithologists. By ROBERT RIDGWAY, Curator, Department of Birds, United States National Museum. Ten Colored Plates and seven Plates of Gutline Illustrations. S370.)) Clethy Oe: The present volume is intended to supply a want much felt by the author during the course of his ornithological studies,-and therefore presumably ex- perienced by other workers in the same field; namely, a nomenclature of colors and a compendious dictionary of technica] terms used in descriptive ornithology, together with a series of plates or diagrams, illustrating the ex- ternal anatomy of a bird in relation to the terms employed, and such other things as are more clearly expressed by a picture than by a mere definition. It has been the earnest endeavor of the author to give this much needed information in the present work; and in order to do so he has spared no pains, having for this purpose procured the finest prepared colors known to modern art, including those of all the best manufacturers, as Winsor & New- ton, George Rowneyv & Co., and Ackermann, of London, England; Dr. Fr. Schoenfeld & Co., Dusseldorf; Chenal, Burgeois, Binant, and Lefrane, of Paris; Osborne of Philadelphia, and others. He has, besides, consulted all the authorities accessible to him. For sale by C. R. ORCUTT, San Diego, California. Califorma Herbarium Specimens: For Sale or Exchange. HE duplicate herbarium specimens collected by the editor of THE West AMERICAN SCIENTIST in Southern and Lower California, have been placed in the hands of Dr. N. L. Britton, Columbia College, New York, N. Y., for distribution, and are now offered either in ex- change or for cash. Correspondents will please address as above. Cok ORc uta. ee Dh eee ee AN illustrated magazine for Young Naturalists and Collectors, con- taining articles by eminent Scientists. 25 sets (consisting of the only four numbers published) still on hand. ‘These will be sold for 4o cents per set (original price, 15 cents per number. Address E. A. BARBER, Box 2118, West Chester, Penn’a. ; The West American Sctentist. SOMETHING NEW! All Interested in Ornithology Should Have It. ANYONE CAN LEARN IN ONE DAY. ‘A novel, easy and rapid process of Mounting Birds, Mammals, ete., with less than half the work and cost of the old method of skinring and stuffing. Oar process is Se ee VEIN C. Read the following reasons for its use: Much less expensive than other methods; fewer tools needed; simple and very easily learned, occupying one-fourth of the time of old system of skinning and stuffing; thoroughly tested; over twenty years in use; perfect form is the result from embalming; perfect preservation; no insects can ravage specimens put up with our compound; the specimens are completely mummified and will last forever; less than one-fifth usually charged for instruction. The process and receipt for compound reduced to two dollars cash or four dollars in exchange specimens. Send for printed particulars, enclosing a stamp for a reply. postal cards. Specimens for sale and to exchange. No notice taken of Correspondence with collectors s«licited. N. B.—Our embalming compound is a valuable aid to collectors in the busy time of the year, when a large number of specimens are secured and there is not time to pre- pare them immediately for the cabinet. R. M: GIBBS, Kalamazoo, Mich., 418 TOHN STREET. OLD IN YEARS, BUT EACH ISSUE FRESH AS TIE MONTH The Gardeners’ Monthly and Horticulturist, EDITED BY PROF THOMAS MEEHAN, State Botanist of Pennsylvania. Established 18539; continuously since under the same Eattorship~. The Magazine is an Authority 7” Both Hemispheres. IT 1S PUBLISHED FOR THE Amateur Cultivator, Botanist, Natura ist, Lover of the Country, Florist, Somologist, Arboriculturist, Nurseryman, Seedsman, Dealer, Land-cape Gardener, Gentleman’s Gardener, Market Gardener, Collector and Exhibitor of Flowers and Fruits. It is for the City, Country, Park, Lawn, Fields, Woods, Conserva- tory, Walk down the Lane, Poor Man’s Window Shelf, Terrace and Best Hours of Life. Itisa Veteran in Years, but Young and Vigorous in Fresh Acquisitions to the Stores of Horticulture. THE MONTHLY CONTENTS ARE Flower Garden : ni Pleasure Ground. Greenhouse and House Gardening. Fruit and Vegetable Gardening. New and Rare Plants and Flowers. New and Rare Fruits and Vegetables. Forestry, Botany, Horticultural Literature. Horticultural Societies. Personal Notes of the Editor and best Original Writers. Selections from Contemporary Authorities. Hints for the Month and Season, for the Amateur Florist, Fruit Grower, etc. Subscription, $2.00 per year; 2 NEW sub- seribers, or one OLD and one NEW, for &3.00; 5 subseribers for $7.00. Same proportionate rates for fraction of a year. CHARLES H. MAROT, Publisher, 418 CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA | The Cheapest Illustrated Literary Magazine Published THE BUDGET. Devoted to Mental and Moral Culture and the Entertainment of its Readers, Handsomely Printed and Bound and Edges Cut. Amply Illustrated with Fine Engravings. : The World’s Condensed Cyclopedia as Premium. Subscription, §1.25 per year, in advance, Premium postpaid On receipt of $2.00 we will send THE BUDGET one year, the Premium Book, and 52 Popular Works, including Standard Nov- els, Poetry, Historv, etc. Send for Dea- 'seriptive Lists of Premiums and Popular Books mentioned. Address, LEE Bier Marysville, Cal. fizz Advertising Rates Reasonable and Made Known on Application, Ancient Red Men’s Tools. 1 War Point, 1 Game Point, 2 Barbed Base Arrow 1 Deep Notch Base Arrow, 1 Stemmed Base Arrow 1 Indented Stem Base Arrow, 1 Spear Head. The above seven fine Implements with data, etc., sent postpaid for 75 cents. Send for list of rare relics. R. NISSLEY, Apa, HaRDIN Co., The West American Scientist. ' the Ornithologist and Oologist,. ESTABLISHED 1875. Now in its THIRTEENTH YEAR as a maga- zine of Ornithology and Oology. The old- est journal in that especial field of science, and fully exemplifies that adage, ‘‘ THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.”’ PUBL'"SHED FOR THE Bristol Ornithological Club As a monthly magazine of value to students of Bird Life. Under the editorial manage- ment of Frederic H. Carpenter. S-nd 10 cents for a sample copy. None Free. Subscription $1.00 per year. QINITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGISY. 409 Washington St, BOSTON, MASS. a == ee ee a Ps Se ae le MORRI3,2-..= .= SIELENOTS. HEADQUARTERS FOR Mazan Creek Fossils. Finest in the world, Choice collections from $1 to $100. Samples, by mail, of Fossil Fern, e‘c,, 25 cents. Is a combination of Phosphorus, Albumen, Pro- togon, Lime, Soda and Iron, which act on the | Brain, Nerves and Stomach, increasing the | appetite, assisting Digestion, Curing Dys- pepsia, inevery form, Headache, Neuralgia, Insomnia, General Debility, Want of Vi- tality, Nervous Prostration and Impo- tence. In Hysteria and Epilepsy its effects are magical. In Consumption its nutritive qualities are beyond comparison with other preparations. Its action is shown by the increasing strength and weight of the patient, and the less of cough and night sweats. It is a brain, nerve, and life giving tonic. Price, $1.50 per bottle. BaS-For SALE BY ALL DRUGGISTS. The Botanical Gazette. A well printed, fully illustrated, and carefully edited journal, covering the whole field of botany, and especially com- plete in all that pertains to the growth of | sclence in America. There are articles and items of interest for all classes of botanists—the profes- sional, the amateur, and plant lover. The volume for 1887 (twelfth) contained 308 pages, 17 plates and 17 cuts in the text. A series of illustrated articles on Euro- pean laboratories is being specially pre- pared to appear during 1888. 42.00 a Year. Address the Editors and Publishers: JOHN M. COULTER, Crawforiisville, lad CHARLES R. CARNES, Maitlison, Wis. J.C. ARTHUR, La Fayette, Ind. 7] BARN SHORT-HAND REPORTING. Thorcugh Instruction by Mail. Terms Reascnvble. ‘Success Certain. Address, T. S.-PRiCE, SHort-Hano Reporter, Box 382, Marysville, Cal. BS WRITE FOR TERMS. STONE IMPLEMENTS we eet ety ERR MOUND BUILDERS. An interesting 30-page pamphlet with numerous illustrations, by mail to any address for 10 cents. This book is true, interesting and instructive. Every collector needs a copy, Descriptions of all the kinds and varieties of Stone and Slate, Clay and Bone Implements of th® Aborigines are given. Only a few copies left. No more | will be issued. — W. K. MOOREHEAD, XENIA, : 5 ‘ . V NICKELS WANTED. OHIO. Cash or Indian Relies in Exchange. Ee es The West Americn Sctentizst. SE Tish | ee BY RD = BUY YOURSELF A HOME AWAY FROM THE SEA AT ESCONDIDO! And the following are a few ofthe many substantial reasons why you should do so: because, It has special advantages tending to the perpetuation of life. Located 12 miles inland from the sea, at an altitude of 700 feet, the ocean breezes passing over the land losea great portion of their humidity before reaching Escondido, while the heat of the earth over which they pass has a great influence in imparting a warmth and halminess to the atmosphere. This is noticed by every one visiting the town. It is this balmy air and higher air which is exercising such a powerful influence in building up a city and securing home-seekers for the lots ta I, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 acres tracts embraced in the Escondido town site and ranch. - Because, its altitude secures for it almost double the annual rainfall of the immediate coast, while the still greater rainfall in the mountains near by causes an unfailing supply of running water under the soil and close to the surface. Because it has a rich soil, that will produce oranges, lemons, limes, guavas, grapes and all the fruits of the temperate zone, as well as semi-tropical fruits, which can be grown almost without care in the rich red loam which is spread over valley and plains. Because its soil will produce all of the ordinary fruits and vines without a particle of irrigation, and the evidence is here to substantiate this statement. Because its location is superbin all that constitutes grandeur of natural scenery. The situation is in every respect desirable and delightful for residence purposes, and there is no spot in the world better adapted for the relief of persons suffering from pulmonary diseases. and general debility. Because it will be one of the great educational centers of Southern California A fine college is now being built, and is to be pushed rapidly to completion. It will be under the auspices of the University of California, which insures its permanence and influence. Because Escondido homes will have fruits and flowers every month in the year, this being assured by the most even temperature which the world affords, consequently they will possess all of the attractions which make life desirable. No saloons. ‘All deeds con- tain a clause prohibiting the sale of spirituous liquors. Because it is now, and must always remain, the very stronghold of health, exhilarating air and comfort in summer, and a pleasant retreat from cold and disagreeable winters. Because, by the first day of January, 1888, Escondido will be one of the Pacific Coast terminal points of the great Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad system. Because Escondido, for climate, soil, water, scenery, location, and a commanding com-: mercial situation in the interior, stands wholly unrivalled on the great Pacific Coast. Further information can be had at the offices of the Escondido Land and Town Co,, in Escondido and San Diego. W. W. THOMAS, Supt. J. R. THOMAS, Sec. Bank Block, Escondido. St. James Block, San Diego. AN DIEGO LAND st TOWN COMPANY This Company offers for sale in tracts to siut purchasers 50,000 Acres of the Choicest Frnit Lands on the Continent In 20 and 40 Acre Tracts, Also near National City, on Motor Street Railway line, 5-acre tracts for Homes, with ample supply of pure, cheap soft water. Business and Residence Property in San Diego and National City, These lands lie adjacent to the Bay of San Diego, Convenient to Tuwns, Markets, Schools, Churches and Railroad facilities. For profitable and successful culture of Oranges, Lemons, Apples, Grapes, Pears, Peaches, Apricots, Olrves, and an endless variety of other fruits, besides Gardening, General Farming, Raisin, Wine and Grape Growing, these lunds offer advantages not found elsewhere, and will be sold to Actual Settlers at Low Prices and on Hasy Terms. The Company also offers for sale Lots and Bloeka in National City, Cal., the Pacite Coast Terminus of the Southwestern Railway System This part of the Paeific Southwest, favored with a perfect climate, soil of unsurpassed fertility, unexcelled natural advantages, is destined to rank firat in wealth and population. For Maps, further particulars, and full information respecting the advantages offered by this part of Southern Califormia, address W. G. DICKINSON, Supt. San Diego Land and Town Company, National City, California, Please Mention this magazine. The West Americn Scientist. WE BAVE THE FINEST CLIMATE IN THE ware, “SOR —ESTABLISHED 1885, Members of the San Diego Real Estate Beas F.R. WETMORE & CO. Bankers aud Real Estate Brokers, ae Moneys received on deposit and placed on first pera sd | well secured. | Very choice Corner Lots the City, for business and — residences. Outside My Suburban nha a Homes for the Adi tee manorwoman ©. , ; of means; (7c beautiful small — five acres up, and plenty of places from ° for the man of good princi- . ee Ue Dae ples, small . es Marersge nine te means and a desire fora home. Inside and in: all. parts‘Of ehaneas Our large tracts are very scarce, but we have a few good ones left. Our Beautifully Illustrated Book on San Diego City ste and County, (price $1.00), is now about ready, 3 ))0) sea Send for it and mention this sap aaa F. R. WETMORE & CO., 13 & 15 E STREET., opp. First National Bank. VoLume IV. WHOLE No. Y gil Bye = om West + American + Scientist. FEBRUARY, 1888. CONTENTS: PROM ATATTOLE ds iia Hela. sValde. pends benezer V.Coopers,'.19 ME SMOCATIY UNAS a iui b)e-ajni big a ale's tie Slaele tein! Lorenzo G. Yates....-.: 20 A Sharp Family.—Cactuses —IIl.—J/7....... NO RO CUEE W Acc ersaatnas 23 PLB yoOL RIVET MrOOlOL ys on W Cis t o wie el ais'e ee Wiss Tei tomes ec so 24 MAURICIO y (2 ioteavai iat Higeeaid Wile ks aia biiele'® eataieniihesieflalarele Mo uaaie 26 ECE eal ith sate ae's Aalst adh ea OL Raat is ls aia er VOOM a of IRI re! ae ae 26 Among the Magazines RACAL isle # STSCMMAT Cea 0 WEA Wei adr the Sa dota: anette 27 MMIC TORY CICA el aly SN La iss kc I ig «ciara la & va Re vada tw Rice Galt 27 C. R. ORCUTT, - PUBLISHER. SAN DIEGO, ~ ~ ~ CALIFORNIA. Price, 10 Cents. [Entered at the Postoffice at San Diego as second-class matter. ] (@aQuED) a A preparation 0 of the Phorphates that i is readily as assim by. the system, aioe age ie Tsit 3 7 ¥ ty, Fo . om 1 v ' "ESPECIALLY Y RECOMMENDED F FOR ousness, “Wakefulness, In paired Vitality, Ete. Prescribed ma endorsed by Physicians of all 1 schools. a rae | Sar 2 Linge sb “> dows ’ It makes a delicious drink with water and es eo a ee For sale by all druggists. Pamphlet free. - A are fe os a 4 Rumfcrd Chemical Works, Providence, R i Beware of Imitations. — Her 0 | vs Se THe West American Scienris?. VOL. 4. FEBRUARY,°1888: No. 34 ANDREW GARRETT. [The following sketch of this celebrated American conchologist was contributed to the San Francisco Bulletin, by Ebenezer V. Cooper, an American missionary at Huahine, Society Islands, and is kindly furnished us by Dr.. R. E. C. Stearns.— a‘or. | Andrew Garrett, a celebrated conchologist, died at his residence on the Island of Huahine, Society Group, South Seas, on Novem- ber 1. 1887, in thesixty-fifth year of his age. For some months past he had suffered from asevere form of cancer in the face, which at last brought about his death. Mr. Garrett was the third child of a family of fourteen, and was born on April g, 1823, in Beaver street, Albany. His mother was Joanna Van Neah Campaneaux, a native of Belgium, of good education and speak- ing several languages, and his father was Francis Garrett, a native of Canada. Both parents lived to old age, the mother attaining seventy-two years and the father eighty-four years. The early life of Andrew Garrett was spent in Vermont, where he very soon manifested a decided scientific turn of mind. On one occasion, when eight years of age, he left home without warning, to visita museum about one hundred miles away. He accom- plished his object and returned home in safety. He had a great fondness for travel, and to satisfy the longing, he went to sea at the age of eighteen years. Asa shell collector he made his first acquaintance with the South Pacific in 1848, and in 1852 he ulti- mately adopted that Island-studded ocean as his special field of research. Since that time Mr. Garrett has visited almost every island of note in the various groups of the South Pacific, spend- ing considerable time in each group. His studies not. only em- braced shells of the marine, fresh water and land orders, but also birds, fishes and other objects of natural history. For one period of ten years he was professionally engaged in the interests of the Godeftroy Museum, Hamburg, during which time was published ‘Andrew Garrett’s Fische der Siidsee,’ in six parts, edited by Dr. ‘Albert Gunther, of the British Museum. Mr. Garrett was also for atime associated with Professor Agassiz. In addition to visiting and residing in every group of islands in the South Pacific, 20 The West American Scientist. Mr. Garrett visited and explored many parts of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South America, the East and West Indies, the Sandwich Isiands and some parts of the United States. His dili- gence and learned researches, soon gave him a place as an authority among conchologists—an authority now everywhere recognized. His correspondents were very numerous, residing in every part of the world. Mr. Garrett’s private collection of shells (now on sale) consists of over 8000 species and comprises over 30,000 examples, representing almost every known part of the globe. Of this collection Mr. Garrett himself collected over 4000 species. He was a corresponding member of the California Academy of Sciences, and of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences. The following is a list of Mr. Garrett’s princi- pal writings. In the proceedings of the Zoological Society, London: -A list of Mitridz collected at Rarotonga, Cook’s Isles; descriptions of two new species of Separatista; of two new species .of Coscum; a new species of , Scissurella;”~-on "ihe terrestrial Mollusca of the Viti Islands. In Zhe Ouarterly Journal of Conchology, Seeds, England: ‘Occurrence of Crepidula aculeate at the Marquesan Islands’; ‘Occurrence of Gadinia reticulata in Eastern Polynesia; ‘Annotated catalogue of the species of Conus collected in the South Sea Islands; ‘Catalogue of the Polynesian Mitridze, with remarks on their geo- graphical distribution, station and position of a supposed new species;’ ‘Annotated catalogue of the Cypraeidea collected in the South Sea Islands.’ In The American Journal of Conchology vol. vil.: Descriptions of new species of land and fresh water shells from the South Sea Islands; ‘List of Viti Bulimus and descriptions of new species. In proceedings of the California Academy of Natural Sciences: ‘Description of new species of shells inhabiting theSandwich Islands; ‘Descriptions of new species of fishes inhabiting the Sandwich Islands; ‘Descriptions of new species of South Sea Shells.’ In the proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia: ‘On the terrestrial Mollusca Inhabiting Cook’s Island, Society Islands and Samoan groups; ‘List of land shells inhabiting Rurutu (one of the Austral Islands) with remarks on their synonyms and geographical range.’ FOSSIL BOTANY—IYV. There seems to have been a well marked and close relation between the more recent fossil plants of California, and the pre- sent flora of the Gulf States, indicating a more humid atmosphere during later pliocene times. Perhaps the fact that a species of fern (Aspidium patens, Sw/z.) growing in a canyon near Santa Barbara, California, and not tound at any other point in the United States west of Florida and Texas, is an instance of the holding over of a species, which is becoming extinct in the western portion of the continent, is one of Fossil Botany. 2I the last links connecting the fern floras of the two extremes, east and west, and showing “the succession of types connecting the present with the past. Geology teaches us that at various times in the world’s history, the floras of regions of greater or less extent have, from various causes, been destroyed ; for example : Toward the latter part of the Tertiary period. the flora of a large portion of Central California was annihilated by extensive volcanic eruptions, which covered the surface with ashes and molten lava. Fossil remains of trees and plants of that period have been found in deposits under the lava; some of these have been determined as belonging to genera. quite different from those now found living in California, and most resembling plants of the later Eu- ropean Tertiary species. These fossil plants are specially interesting to paleontologists and ethnologists. To the paleontologist, because animal life is preceded and explained by vegetable life. To the ethnologist from the plants having been found 1 in deposits containing human bones and other evidences of man’s occupancy of the region, at and previous to the time of the volcanic eruption. (See my arti- cle on ‘Pre-historic California,’ read before the California Histor- ical Society, January, 1888.) After a lapse of time necessary to form new soil and restore atmospheric conditions favorable to plant life, the places of the plants destroyed were, either by plant migration. natural distribu- tion, or by evolution, subsequently occupied by other and dif- ferent species. Whether the succession of species was due to the gradual changes and modifications of earlier forms, or to the spontaneous generation or production of new forms, is a question upon which there is great diversity of opinion among men who have been close students of nature. A notable instance of this character in Pheiene is that of the Isle of Sheppey, at the mouth of the Thames, where large quan- tities of fossil remains of fruits, tropical plants, fishes, turtles, shells, etc. are continually washed out on the sea coast. Among them large numbers of fruits of palms closely allied to the Nipa Palms of the Moluccas and Philippines. The character and position of the numerous marine and fresh water genera, in the eocene clay, show that this celebrated fossil deposit was formed in the delta of an immense river of eocene times, which probably flowed from near the Equator toward the spot where these interesting remains are now so abundant. This river was lined along its banks by magnificent tropical vegetation, and the country inhabited by curious birds, reptiles and mam- mals, while the waters teemed with sharks and fishes. Among the most interesting fossils of the writer’s collection are fine specimens of the fruits and seeds of eocene palms from this locality. In 1840, Mr. J. S. Bowerbanks published a work on the ‘ Fos- 2> The West American Sctentist. sil Fruits and Seeds in the London Clay,’ which, so far as pub- lished, consists of 144 pages, with seventeen plates, containing a large number of figures, in which are described thirteen species of nipatites, and many species of interesting and curious genera of extinct fruit and nut bearing trees. The predominating types of animals of the period on this con- tinent were dinosaurians, mixed with the remains of crocodiles and many curious forms of animal life which are now extinct. The waters of the Eocene Sea were inhabited by the huge zeuglodon, a cetacean whose fossil remains are abundant in Alabama; one skeleton was formerly on exhibition at St. Louis, which measured! seventy-five feet in length. The development and succession of plant life can only be understood by the researches of the vegetable palazontologist, hence this branch of science is rapidly gaining enthusiastic ex- ponents, and its importance is being recognized by scientists generally. There is great diversity of opinion in relation to the migration of plants in former ages. The comparative study of the fossil botany of North America, Europe, Africa and the intervening islands located between these points, has given rise to much dis- cussion among scientists, many of whom argue that the compari- son of the fossil plants of these regions point to a lost continent, which is now submerged beneath the Atlantic Ocean, and which, during the miocene period furnished a continuous land surface, over which the various plants, which were common to the now widely separated continents. passed freely ; others claim that the plants migrated from America westward by way of Japan. The greatest affinity seems to exist between the fossil plants of the miocene period of Europe, and those found living on the eastern slope of North America. During the miocene, there existed in Europe, many generic types of ‘plants which are now peculiar to America. and during that period the climate of Europe was probably much hotter than now, and supported a heavy growth of vegetation which furnished the material for the extensive lignite beds of that region. SANTA BARBARA, CAL. Jan. 1888. Lorenzo G. Yates. CHARLES H. Marot, the well-known publisher of 7he Gar- dener's Monthly and Horticulturist, died, after a few days’ illness, December 21, 1887, in his sixty-second year. ASA GRay died at his home at Cambridge, Mass., January 30, 1888, in his seventy-eighth year. We had hoped to pay a tur- ther tribute to the memory of this illustrious scholar and_ genial man, whose death is sincerely mourned throughout the civilized world, and in whom every American botanist has lost a personal friend. His European co-laborers delighted in styling him the ‘LLinnzeus of America.’ a A Sharp Family.— The Cactuses. 23 we SHTAL. THE. CACT USES. ML BISHOP'S HOOD CACTUS. HWY, pS) " : Astrophytum Myriostigma, Nl Wee W the Bishop’s Hood Cactus, is of very peculiar aspect. It is. seldom seen in collections, but when present is one of the most conspicuous. Ata glance it scarcely appears to be a liv- ing plant, so regular, rigid and unplant-like is its form, and one might almost imagine that /, it had been carved from a piece of stone. The genus is closely related to Echinocactus, but differs from other cactuses in the absence of spines or tuber- cles, being entirely bare except for some curious star-like scales or hairs. It is seldom more than 6 or 8 inches high, by 3 to § inches in diameter, and has 5 or 6 broadly triangular ridges one or one and one-half inches deep, with an even surface, the edge devoid of spines. Upon the surface are a number of small gray or whitish flattened scales or hairs, which are thickly placed on the young growth, but fall off as the plant advances in age, and the lower part of the stem is sometimes quits bare. The flowers are produced near the summit of the stem, generally several to- gether, which open early in the day and close in the afternoon, expanding on each succeeding day for nearly a week. Accord- ing to Blanc it will bloom from June to September in cultivation. DISCOCACTUS, PFEIFFER. This genus contains two or three species of dwarf, semi-globose plants, resembling Echinocactus somewhat. D. Biformis is the only species known to me. THE’ MELON GACTUS. We select the following from ‘Hints on Cacti,’ (copyrighted 1886, by A. Blanc & Co.): About thirty species of plants found in the West Indies and tropical America are arranged under the genus Melocactus, and resemble each other closely in their leading characters. These area globose unbranched fleshy stem, 1 to 2 or 3 feet in diame- ter, regularly ribbed from base to summit, the ridges bearing a varying number of clusters of spines and a cylindrical portion, . termed ‘ the cap,’ produced from the apex of the stem, formed of a wooly substance, and closely set softer spines than those on the main stem. Upon this the small flowers are borne, tabular in form, and red or rose-colored. All the species are natives of 24 The West American Scientist. hot regions, generally growing in rocky or sandy situations exceedingly dry, but a few are said to be found near the coast, or in salt marsh districts. Only one species, M. Communis, is in general cultivation, and as a curiosity it is remarkable. _ A high temperature, very porous soil, abundant drainage, and little water are the chief points requiring attention in its culture, and when a plant assumes an unhealthy appearance water must be withheld. Turk’s Cap, Englishman's Head, and Pope’s Head are some of the popular names that have been applied to this plant, all referring to the peculiar crown on the summit of the stem, a character by which it is easily recognized. It is found in several of the West Indian Islands. particularly on the island of St. Kitts, where it grows in large qua~tities in barren, rocky districts. Specimens exceeding a yard in diameter are not uncommon, and some are reputed to be two or three hundred years old. Cattle and mules are said to eat the plants after removing the spiny outer portion with their hoofs, as the fleshy substance of the stem affords a welcome supply of moisture. C. R. Orcutt. THE SEO OF 8 IVER GHOLO GY. I wish in this paper to say something to those of you who are simply beginners in the study of geology, but who have taken such an interest in the work as will lead you beyond the illustrated text-book and the comfortable fireside into the field. There are few students who are not bewildered upon their first entrance into field work with the question of just what to study, and yet almost all of such inquirers are living at least within easy walking distance of a river or small stream, and a careful study of the phenomena to be observed here will give a clear insight into several features of perhaps the most fascinating branch of Geology—the dynamical; and here instead of detailing some of the results of past study in this direction, I wish to out- line for you the manner in which you can set to work for your- selves. As a general rule a river, considered as a whole, consists of the bed, or that part occupied by the stream at ordinary stages of the water, which is defined on either side by the level alluvial flood plain, which is only covered at time of high water, and in many cases there are constructions called terraces, similar to the flood-plain in general character, at various elevations on the sides of the valley which make it evident that the stream has at some time been running at a higher level than at present, and has been deepening its bed in the course of past time as rivers are doing to-day. Now, in the first place, you will discover all you can of the physical geography of the country which the stream drains; n >t- The Study of River Geology. 25 ing the average slope of\the surface, which, if you are not pre- pared to take it for yourself, may be determined approximately from the various railroad surveys in the region. Note, also, the general character of the soil in the country drained and of the material through which the stream has made its bed, whether rocky, sandy or clayey, for upon these things will depend its power of cutting down or eroding the land sur- face, and upon this erosive power of river systems are based many of the estimates of the length of time necessary for the ac- cumulation of sedimentary rocks. You will also determine the velocity of the stream and the weight of the sediment which is deposed from a stated amount of water at various stages and at different times of the year, both from simple mechanical suspension when the water is dipped up and the foreign matter allowed to settle, and from solution upon evaporation. By determining the velocity of the stream, its width and mean depth at any point, you can estimate, at least roughly, the amount of water which will pass this point in any given time, and by ascertaining the amount. of solid matter aia | in each gallon of water you will know approximately the amount of matter carried by the entire stream, and from this, if you know the area of the surface drained by the stream you are studying, you can find the average depth to which this general land surface has been eroded during, say, the past year, or last century. Of course these estimates should only be based upon observa- tions made at various times of the year, as the amount of water, velocity and consequently the amount of matter carried will vary greatly with the seasons. Study the extent and character of the flood-plain and notice if there are terraces or other evidences of the former action of the stream at higher levels, and if you find such deposits, note the physical character of each, as compared with the others, and if you find in them remains of plants or animals; determine whether they belong to recent species or not, and if you are near the coast, whether such species are marine or fresh-water. You will also find it a matter of much interest to note the way in which sand-bars are formed under the influence of the currents, especially where there is a bend in the stream, in which case the velocity of the current and the angle of the bend should be noted in connection with the character of the bars formed. When bends occur, bars will be formed on the zzszde of the curve, while the opposite bank will be cut away. Then where a tributary stream flows into the main one, you will study the character of the bed and the way in which sedi- ments are deposited, and lastly, going into the mathematics of geology, you will be much interested in studying the law of trans- 26 The West American Sctenttst. portation, or the comparative amounts of sediment carried as the velocity of the stream changes. These are only general suggestions, rather than directions which you are to follow to the letter. As you progress with your work you will find new questions arising, depending much upon your locality, and you will see that the peaceful, laughing stream which has been flowing by you almost unheeded in the past can propound deeper riddles than the Sphinx. W. R. Lighton. WE CROLOG F; JAMES CARSON BREVOORT, in whose honor the beautiful Califor- nian genus Brevoortia was named, of Brooklyn, N. Y., died De- cember 7, 1887, in his seventieth year. He was a member of the New York Academy of Sciences, and a generous patron of liter- ature, science and art. He endeavored to make his knowledge of practical use to the community in which he lived. JAMES REID, a prominent florist, died on November 17, 1887. ‘He was among the foremost in elevating floriculture to the high position it now occupies in public estimation’.— Zhomas Meehan. ORIGINAL BIRD NOTES. ALFRED Hits, Marston, England, found a partridge nest on January 23, 1886, with a fresh egg in it. That night a snow- storm came and filled the nest, which the bird then forsook. G. D. Story. A RAVEN once made an unexpected dive from a tree upon a big drake that was a aes The drake was scalped and killed at the same time. London Field. A GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER was known to lay seventy- one eggs in a single season at Dighton, Massachusetts. An or- nithologist kept robbing its nest of all but a single egg, and the poor bird kept laying in order to raise a brood. G. D. Story. THE SCREECH OWL. This little owl is found in nearly all parts of the United States, but is much more common in northern than in southern sections. The screech owl is by no means rare in Vermont, and many a Green Mountain lad, as he has been passing through a wood on a dark night, has felt his hair rise and his heart leap, and directly after found himself flying as upon wings of the wind at the terrific scream of this bird, perched on a tree just over his head. Their nest is made of grass and feathers and is placed at the bottom of a hollow tree or stub, often not more than six or eight feet from the ground. The eggs are white, cf a globular form, and usually four or five in number. It is sometimes called the mottled owl. “ Vermont.’ A Glance at Books. 27 A GLANCE AT BOOKS. THE PLEASURES OF LIFE, by Sir John Lubbock. Price fifteen cents, post-free. J. Fitzgerald, publisher, 24 East Fourth Street, New York. | The ‘consolation of philosophy’ has been a frequent theme for students and thinkers. Sir John Lubbock might well have named this delightful series of essays, ‘The Consolation of Science ~ and Learning.’ The author is no pedant, no bookworm, but a frank sympathizer with his fellows in the work-a-day world, dis- coursing of the duty of happiness, as well as the happiness of of duty. Of books also he treats, and of friendship; of the ‘pleasures of travel’ he writes most entertainingly, but the chap- ter entitled ‘the pleasures of home’ is in style and in substance the gem of the collection. A HALF-CENTURY OF SCIENCE, by Prof. Thomas H. Huxley and Grant Allen. J. Fitzgerald, publisher, 24 East Fourth Street, New York. Price fifteen cents, post-free. The progress made by science within the last fifty years is the most noteworthy phenomenon of recent history. In the work before us that momentous enisode finds adequate record and ex- position, one of the authors, Professor Huxley, being the fore- most biologist of our time as well as a recognized leader of scien- tific thought; and the other, Mr. Grant Allen, one of the most successful popularizers of the results of scientific research. It forms No. 96 of the ‘Humboldt Library of Popular Science’— a series containing many of the scientific works which have in our day revolutionized the intellectual and moral world. Such works must command the attention of every intelligent man who would understand the mind of the age in which we live. AMONG THE MAGAZINES. THE Marcu Century will contain the story of ‘Colonel Rose’s Tunnel at Libby Prison,’ told by one of the one hundred and nine Union officers who escaped on the night of February 9, 1864. The successful construction of this tuunel, dug from a dark corner of the cellar of the prison, through fifty feet of solid earth,—the only tools being two broken chisels and a wooden spittoon in which to carry out the dirt,—was one of the most re- markable incidents of the war. Colonel Rose, to whose indom- itable will and perseverance the success of the scheme was due, is now a captain in the 16th United States Infantry, and of the fourteen men who assisted him in digging the tunnel, eleven are still living. The narrative in the March Century, which is illus- trated, forms one of the untechnical papers supplementing the War Series, and it is said to be one of the most romantic records that Zhe Century has ever printed. The West Amertcan Scientist. OUR. MONTHLY BARGAIN Dior TrerMS—Cash, with order, and if in any amount less than fifty cents, 05 add four cents extra for postage. Postage Stamps in denomination of 10 cts. or less, taken for amounts less than one dollar. Birds Eggs. Great Britain, 1 farthing, Geo. IV....$ 10 Eggs are all strictly first-class and such cy 1 penny, eee as | hi ive in sets with data are indicated " x 4 ‘ Pca ie by a*. The numbers correspond to the} “ 4 I “ Victoriays -ooe4 new A. O. U. check list. A os 1 farthing; Geo. Tae ae No. NAME. PRICE EACH. | Honduras, provisional money, rude, r° Westenra, Grebevt cf eeaeees, §. 251. OS Pealss i250 0 tees bee tgs 15 6 wPied-billed! & # oti: soe 10 | Mexico, 1 centavo, nickel..2.... 1... 05 27o. Durted Puttin... 5.5. 75 - 2 Pe Me ee o8 ey TAerring Gulla... 0% ore 15 FS e SSR Tats en 10 *58. Ibanohme) Gullo. oo eae To|-Hanover, © pfennigs. tsi i247 eee 05 *69 /“Gaull-billed. Fern. {;..di,5.plsige ta fe) q 2 ile cab) the epee Mn 64 Caspian er eee nt ey 25 # 2 Se, GHOTSE., .evenreee IO *69 Forster's Te di Jie ee 10| Rome, 4th bronze coins, found in dig- *6o.,, Black’ Gkinaivers: : io. eee o8| ging Suez canal, 1500 years old.... 12 120 Double-crested Cormorant. 15 Mindia, oldidumps. >t. .. eee eee IO *192. Great White Heron «2°... ----- Col} Denmark, Frederick VII, 1 skilling.. 05 ont. “Clapper Rail va ser ere 05 | Sweden, 2% skilling, Frederick VI . 10 DEG RVING. 2:0. yep kan re See -_, 20/fapan, old Sen; Scarce... .. ne ee 50 2624 Spotted ‘Santipiper hyo: ee. : o8| Peru, provisional money, scarce, 5 - taro. Pipigie P lovers jeastih an aeneee 30) “eéntavosll i Redo, . 3) 0a 20 Kalo 9 Wileon’s pi’: .¢ te DERE See: 15| Peru, provisional money, scarce, 10 *386.. American Oystercatcher, :«..-. 35). CO@NTAVOS....< <. <1 ol 4 Beyrtnces pe 20 S05) -Praine Hei ..ikeseecce sroceie ot ro.) Holland, 1 cCents'.. : st. oe ~aeeeeene 10 rae5 “Turkey Vulture coe eee 40 | France, 5 centimes, Nap. IH . cae Bet 05 a42° Swainson’s Hawk sc sen - 50 a er ae SEER) a 05 366 Ameriean Long-Eared Owl.... 30 1 € laureated head 373 California Mottled Owl........ 35| Nap. HI cxtet « batiels os ee 10 *406 Red-headed Woodpecker..... 05.\- Japa, LEMPO. fiers) ics (ieee eee 15 Aro) PHCKOL:. << cmc. ee pee o4 |, Portugal; large cain of. - .:. iv. ane 20 430 Costa’s Humming Bird ee . 60] Egypt, 20 para, (silvered).......-.-. 10 431 Anna’s Ban eae sth be 40) Russia, t kopec: (bright). 5:2 Sees 10 457 Says Phoebeve. csi (2. en 10: Russia, Elizabeth, old: {23.4 4 3.00e 15 464 Baird’s Flycatcher ... ic) ES Germany, 4 varieties... s-2s+. oda 20 Oa” Coreen Payee cos tn sie eae 65 Curiosities *Ag5a Dwar .Cowbird:.:. /.cidoscwee 18} Avates,. (polished)... 50... .2.ageeee $ 25 "497 / Yellow Headed Blackbirds... ».o4 | Cali Sea: Urching..-4:...io0 eee 05 to 10 536. Lapland Longspur....4..000... 0: Liver Beans. .%. ico ee 05 to Io 5062 spurred Towhee.... 25 .-abes} 15) Allioator Teetiis, t =s)-45% +. 05 e594 Lexan. Cardinal /....0 i. seaees 40 | Sharks Heesi... 0. 806 ieee 15 5001 Painted Buntitig y. 2.4 .0neceea? 10/|,Pampas. Grass. Plumes. «.t/.2iseamece 25 “G08 Scarlet Tanarer.. :.. x1 crus gasm,> 15 | Humming Bird’s Nests. .....4...9 CHARLES RUSSELL ORGUTT, Editor, - -~ San Diego, California. Associate Editors :—Prof. Josiah Keep, Mills College, Cal.; W. R. Lighton, San Diego, Cal. R. B. Trousiet, Valparaiso, Ind.; Wm. E. Loy, 423 Clay St., San Francisco, Cal. THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SAN DIEGO SOC/ETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. An iJlustrated monthly magazine, devoted to the recording of original investigations aud thought and the popularizing of the natural sciences. Eminent American scientists are contributors, among whom are Drs. C. C. Parry, Geo. Vasey, L. G. Yates, R. E. C. Stearns, Professors Josiah Keep, E. L. Greene, Carl C. Marshall, Messrs. L. Belding, M. Lopatecki, Geo. F Kunz, Mrs. Rosa 8. Eigenmann, L M. Smith, ‘E. E.’, and many others. Its circulation in San Diego County is doubtless not greatly exceeded by any publication, while bona fide subscribers reside in nearly everv State and Territory in the Union and in various foreign countries. It is the first and only purely scientific journal recognized west of the Rocky Mountains. It was the first magazine issued from San Diego—a city of 25,000 inhab- itants, or from San Diego County, with 50,000 people within its limits. RATES:—Ten cents per line nonpareil; $1. 00 an inch; $15.00 per page, for each insertion. The editor reserves the privilege of refusing any undesirable advertise- ment and of discontinuing any found to be such. Positions guaranteed only to page advertisements engaged by the year at special rates. No extra charge for insertion of cuts when furnished. Terms, Cash with order. Six insertions rated as five: twelve insertions (one year) rated as ten, when paid in advance. roa SUBSCRIBERS. The Magazine will not be discontinued to subscribers until so ordered. The price is $1.00 a year, when paid in advance; $1.25, if not so paid. Ten dollars paid at any one time entitles the subscriber to a copy for life, or so long as the magazine may be published. Subscription price for Great Britain, five shillings. Back numbers, with a few exceptions, can be ob- tained at 10 cents each. Remit by express or Post Office money orders, pay- able to C. R. Orcurv. Subscription and Advertising Agents: F. R. Wermore & Co., San Diego, California. E. M. Hateut, Riverside, California. R B.Trovustot & Co., Valparaiso, Indiana. WuittEMORE & Hupson, Fitchburg. Mass. E. DrnaportE, Chemin des Angles, Fontenay sous Bois, (near Paris), France. W. P. Couutins, 157 Gt. Portland St., London, England. Address THE WEST AMERICAN. SCIEN TIS. San Diego, California. The West Amertcan Scient?st. Established in 1871. WILL M. CLEMENS, San Diego, Cahfornia. Pp. © Box or7e IMPORTER AND DEALER IN STAMPS, COINS, CURIOSITIES. —— a THE CALIFORNIA CURIOSITY CABINET conta‘ns 100 different specimens, including Mexican, Cal- ifornian, Chinese, and Japanese ccins, shells and curiosities, rare old stamps, etc. Price, only 50 cents. Hundreds of these collecticns are being sold. Remember. 100 different curiosities— Price only 50 cents. This is 4 genuine bargain. THE ‘* BOOM” STAMP PACKET contains 110 var- ieties of Amcrican and Foreign Postage Stamps, including United States Official, original U. S. Locals, U. S. Telegraph, and other fine specimens. Prive only 2U0 cents. Order at once. This is a rare chance. THE PACIFIC STAMP PACKET contains 165 dif* ferent stamps, including rare Cuba, Australian United States Match Stamps, rare Medicine stamps, and others not sold by other dealers in packets. Price only 50 cents. No one can equal this, THE CORONADO STAMP PACKET contains 200 vifferent stamps, including rare South American, old U.S Envelopes and Adhesives. U. 8. Docu- men, «nd other Revenues, etc. Price only 50 cents. No one can equal this picket. Tr) it, and see for yourself. —_.-.- THE FAMOUS TEN-CENT PACKETS. Ra These Packets a e the best and chcapest in the world, Thousands are sold every month. No. 1—Contains 100 different foreign stamps, includ- ing Egypt, Turkey, etc. Price, 10 cents. Contains GO different foreign stamps, includ. ing Mexico, South American, and other rare stamps. Price, 10 cents. . d—Contains 15 cifferent unused foreign stamps —manv rare Price, 10 cents. .4—Contains 15 different foreigu envelope stamps. Price, 10 cents. .9—Contains 14 differcnt U.S. Adhesive Stamps. Price, 10 cents. Ne. 6—Contains 15 different U. Price, 10 cents. . 7—Contains 15 different U.S. Document Stamps. Price, 10 cents. . 8—Contains 10 different foreign revenue stamps. Price, 10 cents . 9—Contains & different U.S. Cflivial, Telegraph, and Local Stamps. Price, 10 cents, .10—Contains 6 diffcrent. Match and No, 2— S. Envelope Stamps. Medicine Stamps. Price, 10 cents. No. 11—Contains 6 different U. S. Proprietary _ Stamps. Price, )O cents. No. 12—Contains 5 aifferent \Con‘ederate, unpaid, and Tobacco Stamps. Price, 10 cents. a The above 12 packets, containing 270 different Stamms, sent, post free, for only wt OO. Ae” Descriptive Cats alog vue of U.S. Revenue Stamps, 10 cents. a Price Lists and Circulars free. WILL M. CLEMENS, P.O. Box 917. Address San Diego, Cai. The Savings Bank. OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY. In the Consolidated Bank Building, corner of H and 'ifth streets. CAPITAL, - - = $100,000. > :OFFICERS:-: James M. Pierce, - - : - Geo, A. Cowles, . - - - Vice-President. John Ginty, - - - Secretary and Treasurer. > IDIRECTORS:-! H. Mabury, E. W. Morse, James M., Pierce, Bryant Howard, Money President. O.S. Witherby, Geo. A. Cowles, James McCoy, Interest Allowed on Deposits. _Loaned on Real Estate. Cousolida ol National Bank. CAPITAL PAID IN, - $250,000. SURPLUS FUND, - - 50,000. BRYANT HOWARD, - - - = President. EK. W. MORSE, : : . - Vice-President. JOHN GINTY, - - - - - Cashier. W. H. CLARKE, : = Assistant Cashier. —— DIREC rorRSs,— ). S. Witherby, John Ginty, James McCoy, Bryant Howard. Hiram Mabury, EK. W. Morse, S. Levi, ———_e—- faze’ Exchange on all the Principal Cities of America and @urope bought and sold. LESS THAN ONE CENT A DAY Secures 12 Complece New Nove ts, besides Essays, Short Stories, Sketches. Poems, ete. Lach 1umber is complete, and a volume in itself. One year’s subscription makes a book of NEARLY TWO THOUSAND PAGES Of the choicest works of the best American authors. Among the Complete Novels which have already appeared are: ‘* Brueton's Bayou,’’ ‘‘ Miss Defarge,’’ ‘‘ Sinfire,’’ ““A Self-Made Man,"’ **Kenyon’s Wife,’’ ‘‘ Douglas Du- ane."’ “The Deserter,”” ‘“‘The Whistling Buoy,” “At Anchor,” ‘“‘A Land of Love,” ‘‘The Red Mountain Mines,” “Apple Seed and Brier Thorn,” ‘‘The Terra- Cotta, Bust,’’ ‘‘ From the Ranks." ‘Check and Counter- Check.”’ ete., ete. The subscription price of this ‘‘ King of the Monthlies” is but $3.00 a year. Sample copy sent on receint of 10 cents in stamps. Address LIPPINCOTT'S ees pirat ote te ee DO YOU SHOOT? A Collecting Gun Of 38 Calibre, CENFRAL FIRE, And a safe and effective arm. Weight, 4% pounds. Can be taken apart, and does splendid shooting Walnut stock with pistol grip Sent by express on receipt of $8.00. Re Send for Catalogue of Guns, selected for use of Collectors and Taxidermists. F. H. CARPENTER, 409 Washington St, Boston, Mass. The West Amertcan Sctentist. SOMETHING NEW! All Interested in Ornithology Should Have It. ANYONE CAN LEARN IN ONE DAY. A novel, easy and rapid process of Mounting Birds, Mammals, etc., with less than half the work and cost of the oid method of skinning and stuffing. Our process is J VES AX TWEEN cere Read the following reasons for its use: Much less expensive than other methods; fewer tools needed; simple and very easily learned, occupying one-fourth of the time of old system of skinning and stuffing; thoroughly tested; over twenty years in use; perfect form is the result from embalming; perfect preservation; no insects can ravage specimens put up with our compound; the specimens are completely mummified and will last forever; less than one-fifth usually charged for instruction. The process and receipt for compound reduced to two dollars cash or four dollars in exchange specimens. Send for printed particulars, enclosing a stamp for a reply. No notice taken of postal cards. Specimens for sale and to exchange. Correspondence with collectors solicited. N. B.—Our embalming compound is a valuable aid to collectors in the busy time of the year, when a large number of specimens are secured and there is not time to pre- pare them immediately for the cabinet. R. M. GIBBS, Kalamazoo, Mich., 4169 JOHN STREET The Cheapest Illustrated Literary Magazine Published THE BUDGET. Devoted to Mental and Moral Culture and the Entertainment of its Readers. Handsomely Printed and Bound’ and Edges Cut. Amply Illustrated with Fine Engravings. The World’s Condensed Cyclopedia as Premium, Subscription, $1.25 per year, In advance, Premium postpaid On receipt of $2.00 we, will send ‘THE BUDGET one year, the Premivm Book, and 52 Popular Works, including Standard Nov-- els, Poetry, History, etc. Send for De- seriptive Lists of Premiums and Popular Books mentioned. Address, PER BODGr®. Marysville, Cal. fzs Advertising Kates Reasonable and Made Known on Application. THE MUSEUM. a N illustrated magazine for Young Naturalists and - Collectors, containing articles by eminent Scien- tists. 25 sets (consisting of the only four numbers published) still on hand. ‘These will be sold for 40 cents per set; original price 15 cents per number. Address E. A. BARBER, Box 2118, West Chester, Penn’a. a Cp ea) The West American Sctentist. the Ornithologist and Oologist. ESTABLISHED 1875 Now in its THIRTEENTH YEAR as a maga- zine of Ornithology and Oology. The old- est journal in that especial field of science, and fully exemplifies that adage, ‘‘ THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.”’ PUBLISHED FOR THE Bristol Ornithological Club As a monthly magazine of value to students of Bird Life. Under the editorial manage- ment of Frederic H. Carpenter. Send 10 cents for a sample copy. None Free. Subscription $1.00 per year. ORNITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGISY. 409 Washington St., BOSTON, MASS. OS Ses ob le Son oe aes MORRIS, = =. = [LLINGOIS. HEADQUARTERS FOR Mazan Creek Fossils. Finest in the world. Choice collections from $1 to $100. Samples, by mail, of Fossil Fern, ete., 25 cents. — TJUJARDINS . I[FE ESSENCE ‘Is a combination of Phosphorus, Albumen, Pro- togon, Lime, Soda and Iron, which act on the Brain, Nerves and Stomach, increasing the appetite, assisting Digestion, Curing Dys- pepsia, inevery form, Headache, Neuralgia, Insomnia, General Debility, Want of Vi- tality, Nervous Prostration and Impo- tence. In Hysteria and Epilepsy its effects are magical. In Consumption its nutritive qualities are beyond comparison with other preparations. Its action is shown by the increasing strength and weight of the patient, and the less of cough and night Sweats. It is a brain, nerve, and life giving tonic. Price, $1.50 per bottle. B@-For SALE BY ALL DRUGGISTS. The Botanical Gazette. A well printed, fully illustrated, and carefully edited journal, covering the whole field of botany, and especially com- plete in all that pertains to the growth of science in America. There are articles and items of interest for all classes of botanists—the profes- sional, the amateur, and plant lover. The volume for 1887 (twelfth) contained 308 pages, 17 plates and 17 cuts in the text. A series of illustrated articles on Euro- pean laboratories is being specially pre- pared to appear during 1888. 42.00 a Year. Address the Editors and Publishers: JOHN M. COULTER, Crawforiisville, Lad CHARLES R. CARNES, Matlison, Wis. J.C. ARTHUR, La Fayette, Ind. T EARN SHORT-HAND REPORTING. Thorough Instruction by Mail. Terms Reasonable Success Certain. Address, T. S. PRiCE, Suort-Hano Reporter, Box 382, Marysville, Cal. G2” WRITE FOR TERMS. STONE IMPLEMENTS hOB Ee MOUND BUILDERS. An interesting 30-page pamphlet with numerous illustrations, by mail to any address for 10 cents. This book is true, interesting and instructive. Every collector needs a copy. Descriptions of all the kinds and varieties of Stone and Slate, Clay and Bone Implements of the Aborigines are given. Only a few copies left. No more will be issued. W. K. MOOREHEAD, XENIA, : : = ; V NICKELS WANTED. Cash or Indian Relics in Exchange. OHIO. i} bate bay eS Des | ‘ ad ; ne \ i é b Vite soe eee bs : A oi . | ny by hiked OF AAs Tetly bE . ’ 2 = i bod Pha ‘ ~~ The West American Scientist. s.aea 05 to 10 or in full sets with data. | Money Cowry Shells .,.. 9-9 2 for 05 ATO. UW No. Eccs Price, Pampas Grass Plumes, 15c. each, 2 No. INSET. PeREcc| — for 25c.. 5 for 5cc., 12 TOF geo 12 *Tutted Pulm. aes oF vee I1....$ 75 Porcupine Quills........... per doz. 05 49 Western Gull............ 3---- 15) Petrified Wood (very fine) .2..05 to. "00 51a American Herring Gull...3 V5 | Sand ‘Tubesig. sss’ sa: shea, «eee 05 58 Laughing Gull.......-... ) 10 | Skatés/Eggs, ....-0 }..92 nse 05 70 Common Term..........- 3 04) Sharks Egos... ¢:-.20 20s ee 15 80 Black Skimmer.....-.... 4 08 | Sea Urchins, (Pacific).......+...- 5to 10 igoc’ Fardilone. Cormorant. .. 223: 50° : A 722. Brandt siCarmorant. » 534g het > 25 California Sea Shells. 123b,.Baird’s Cormorant...) 5... 223 25) Acmaé Persona... 2.65 oe 03 igo. Lowisiaua Fleroth...5.-. a: 08 | Chlorostoma Funebrale... + caves 03 for. Green Fierone oto. hes 4 05 | Fisswella Volcano; ....).. 5 eee aia oF 2a: American Goor -r.... Winky, o5 | Hohiotis Cracherodi.7 2. ...05 to I 00 306: Mourning Wove, 4.3% 2. o2 | Lottia Gigarnitea. ... 1... sence ane 05 378, Burrowing Owl<.-.. S tomas. 15) ‘ 45> Road Runmerscerss - slime. are OTR ; Minerals, A413) Red Shaited Flicker ...5 6 05 AASMANIte . 2-6. eee eee eee eee 05 to 50 Ada’ SKGGe bitd. severe ens See. 103 | Calcite. Senet ee eet e eee cee: 05 to I 00 448 Cassin’s Kingbird....3 4 5.-.. 20, Cassiterite (Tin Ore in. ee eee 05 to I 00 495° -Cowbird iy sees T.... 03| Dufrenite.........- esses eee. 05 to I 00 498 Red-winged Blackbird.. .4 o2| Epidote...... Sones ee am ee a aeine o5to 75 508 Bullock’s @Optolew ee Ae 08 ' Garnet (Alumin) aS eictlettovsten enemas 05 to I oo 510 Brewer’s Blackbird....4 5.... 04/|/docrase...... .. -++++4++--05 tO I 00 519a Crimson House Finch..4 5 o4 | Petrified Wood (very fine) ....05 to I 50 581 Song Sparrow. ...... 456 o2| Vermaculite (or quartz)....-. .05 to I 00 591b California Towhee....... tee 6 125 | .s. r Cents. 593 \ Cardinal Grosbeak. .ic.: Re. 04 | WW Bee 622a White-rumped Shrike..4 5.... 04 1893 cad to let oc iar — 703 Mockinebird 62e0ee see Ait 04 ) 1817 Mead to ' Lett, 15 tts ee on 704 “At bpirGh Ona... vs ee een ee) 2 OD 1818 fos eereee 380T 05/1830 “fo AO fe) Cactus Wood, (curious)......... ae 25.| PEGS hike hee er ey Sycamore Tree Balls.). ....s25. 93mOP 05 | 7839, (“05,9 S9. °C ae California Ground Squirrel Tails. 27.5 To | 7834 0 “60 S80) ea te ae Chinese Chopsticks: :. We ss.0e per pair 08 | 1835 Plead 1834.40 «sian oe G3 53 eee fe) > Game Cards... 5... cee 2 for’ 05 | 1837 Plain, Hair String... 5esgnne ian “Slow Matches............. OS | 1838 c.j0%) 0 apiicesyedind 9» Oat hale y Game SIOnes ..05¢ tics 2 FOL OS | 1SAO) ie. «sn cimdininale wenn =e tae Se 08 Chinese Coins (very old) - ...... each 05 | 1852 Head to Left... .....«- =>. eae Chilacothe Bean Pods (large and 1868 Bronze,. Indian Head........:. 08 CUPIOUS) ica cine. pe a cae reece ion ease oe rs Be se Saat ae 05 Coral (small white branching)...... fe) : ice-li Cal. Live Oak Tree ee cas 31k se Any of the foregoing price list a ww" “eee” Balls... ..0§ to 10 | Post-paid on receipt of two cents 1or Clear Quartz... 002 olan 6 eee o5| each. Birds’ Eggs, Minerals, Shells, Dried Olives,.:..°. 5. cae 3 for o5 | Curiosities. Fifty cents worth of le ! ee eee, A.) per package Io specimens free trom this list to every Hawk Moth Cocoons.. ..-......). 10] Rew Subscriber to THz WEST AMER: Horned Toads (staffed) “29. 2 oe 50 | ICAN SCIENTIST, who sends $1.00 to Indian Bread Moss..... per package o5|E. M. Haight, Riverside, Cal. The West American Scientist yostPl GILLOTT 6 Steel Jews FOR ARTISTIC USE in fine drawing, Nos. 659 (Crowquill), 290 and agr. FOR FINE WRITING, Nos. 303 and Ladies’, 170, FOR BROAD WRITING, Nos. 294, 389 and Stub Point, 849. FOR GENERAL WRITING, Nos. 332, 404, 390 and 604. Joseph Gillott & Sons, 91 John St., N.Y HENRY HOE, Sore AGENT, . Sold by ALL DEALERS throughout the World. Gold Medal Paris Exposition, 1878. " Newspaper Advertising” A BOOK OF 266 PAGES DEVOTED TO THE SUBJECT OF NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING, Every Advertiser, whether an experienced or only an intending one, should possess a copy. Sent post-paid on receipt of 30 cents. GEO. P. ROWELL & CO., Newspaper Advertising Bureau, 10 SPRUCE sT., NEW YORK. Pow’ EN TSCHER GENERAL COMMISSION FORWARDING AND SHIPPING. San Diego, Cal, Rewarded are those who read this and then act; they will find honorable em- ployment that will not take them from RGHLY their homes and families. ‘The profits are large and sure for every industrious per on, many have made and are now making several huudred dol- lars a month, It is easy for any one to make $5 and upwards per day, whois willing to work. Hither sex, young or old; capital not needed; we start you. Everything new. No specia! ability required; you, reader, can do it as well asany one. Write to us at once fcr full particulars, which we mail free. Ad- dress Stinson & Co., Portland, Maine, 32.44. a® Sea Wonders exist in thousands of forms, ‘UW butaresurpas ed by the marvels of invention. Dee Those who ure in need of profitable work that can be done while liviny ath me, should at once send their address to Hallet & Co.. Portland, Maine, and reccive free, full information how either sex, of all ages, can earn from $5 to $25 per day and upwards wherever they live. You are started free. Capital not required. Some have m de over $50 in a single day at this work. Ali succeed. 32.44. has revolutionized the world during the last half century. Not least amony the wonders of inventive progress is a method and system of work that can be performed all over the country with- out separating the worsers from their homes. Pay liberal; any one can do the wo:k; ether sex, young or old ; no special ability required. Capital not need- ed; you are started free Cut this out and return to us and we will send you free, something of great value and importance to you, that will start you in business, which will bring you in more money right away, than anything else in the world. Grand outut free. Ad- dres: TRUE & Co., Augusta, Maine. 32.44. — JOB OFFICE AND SCHOOL FOR: — Short- Hand and Type - Writing. Letters and Legal Matte: taken from dictation neatly and quickly, and all sorts of job work doue cheaply at Room 9, M. E. Church Block, Miss M. F. PEREN. DAY & JOY, Fine + Stationery « and + Printing, 713 Sixth Street, bet. F and G, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. oe eR op) a San Diego Printing Co. (Formerly UNrIon Co.) FINE BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS, BLANK BOOK MANUFACTURERS, AND BINDERS, Largest $team Printing House in Southern Galifornia. 751 and 758 Sixth Street, Near Post Office, SAN DIEGO, CAL The West American Scientist. COLORS: KOU INATO ReAdsT oie A Nomenclature of Colors for Naturalists, and Compendium of Useful Knowledge for Ornithologists. By ROBERT RIDGWAY, Curator, Department of Birds, United States National Museum. Ten Colored Plates and seven Plates of Outline Hlustrations. S~v7e- For sale by Cicsth., $+.00. C. R. ORCUTT, San Diego, California. The Savings Bank. OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY. In the Consolidated Bank Bui!ding, corner of H and 1 ifth streets. CAPITAL, - - ~=- $100,000. : :OFFICERS:-: James M. Pierce, - - - - President. Geo. A. Cowles, - - . Vice-Pre-ident. John Ginty, - - - Secrets ry and Treasurer. : IDIRECTORS:-: H. Mabury, E. W. Morse, James M. Pierce, Bryant Howard, O.S. Witherby, Geo. A. Cowles, James McCoy, Interest Allowed on Deposits. Money Loaned on Real Estate, Consolidaten | National Bank. CAPITAL PAID IN, = $250,000. SURPLUS FUND, - = 50,000, BRYANT HOWARD, - - | -. °- J) iBeesidese EB. 'W..MORSE,..-, ..» so» =) a) Mice Bresttanks JOHN GINTY, - - - - - - Cashier. W:. Hi. CLARKE, - - Assistant Cashier. — DIRECTORS.—— O. S. Witherby, John Ginty. James McCoy, Bryant Howard. Hiram Mabury, E. W. Morse, S. Levi, ———_—____ e @ - &zz Exchange on all the Principal Cities of America and “urope bought and sold. DO YOU ‘SHOOT? A Collecting Gun of 38 Calibre, CENPRAL FIRE, And a safe and effective arm. Weight, 4% pounds, Can be taken apart, and does splendid shooting. Walnut stock with pistol grip. Sent by express on receipt of $8.00. azz Send for Catalogue of Guns, selected for use of Collectors and Taxidermists. ——_—_ F. H. CARPENTER, 409 Washington St, Boston, Mass. The Cheapest Illustrated Literary Magazine Published. THE BUDGET. Devoted to Mental and Moral Culture and the Entertainment of its Readers. Handsomely Printed -and..Bound and Edges Cut. Amply Illustrated with Fine Engravings. The World’s Condensed Cyclopedia as Premium, Subscription, $1.25 per year, in advance. Premium postpaid On receipt of $2.00 we will send THE BUDGET one year, the Premium Book, and 52 Popular Works, including Standard Nov- els, Poetry, Historv, etc. Send for De- seriptive Lists of Premiums and Popular Books mentioned. Address, THE BUDGET. Marysville, Cal. fae Advertising Rates Reasonable and Made Known on Application. THE MUSEUM. N illustrated magazine for Young Naturalists and Collectors, containing articles by eminent Scien- tists. 25 sets (consisting of the only four numbers published) still on hand. ‘These will be sold for 40 cents per set; original price 15 cents per number. Address E. A. BARBER, Box 2118, West Chester, Penn’a. CHANCES TO SWAP. Notices inserted under this head for five cents per line for each insertion; fifty cents per line charged by the year. Only notices accepted. > What have you to exchange for a rem- edy that will cure Catarrh and Hayfever? Address, Mrs. F. E. YATES, Sharon, Wis. Books wanted by the editor. ar. ee oe ey ee ee Se = tes “vet Fz feu OS The West American Scientist. The West American Scientist. @ . . 6 ee tS ee ee ae ee ee toe a Pe rae oe RS ee te ae tee ae igen et se THe West AMERICAN SciENTis". NOL. 4: A PiRILy, 1888. No. 36 A NIGHT WITH THE STARS. Soon after sunset we ascended Prospect Hill, on the brow of which stands our new observatory, and prepared to spend a portion of the night in contemplation of the heavens. It was the time of early spring, and as we looked off from the summit of the hill the surface of the earth seemed very fair. We were standing upon the first elevation that rose up from ‘the level valley, and in front of us the green plains stretched away to the blue waters of San Francisco Bay. On the right were seen portions of three cities, the great metropolis and its vigorous young neighbors, Oakland and Alameda. As darkness began to settle down, the electric lights flashed out sharply in the distance from many lofty towers like stars of the first magnitude, while many lesser lights from gas jet, lamp and candle, could be seen twinkling like the feebler members of the constellations. On the left, the broad valley could be seen, dotted with clumps of trees and checked by fences, and in the distance arose a nebu- lous glimmer from thriving villages embosomed in the midst of numberless orchards and market gardens; while against the northern sky, as a dark and solid tackground, rose the everlasting hills, diversified by a dark gorge and rounded knoll, and crowned by rough ledges and old trees. Just below us, in the center of the campus which itself is a little paradise, surrounded by trees and gardens and guarded by a merry brook on either side, stood the many-windowed college, all lighted up for the evening study- hour. Such were the scenes which met our eyes as we paused for a moment before entering the neat building from whose tower we were to look far off into the clear sky. Earth was indeed very beautiful; but then it was very near and easy to observe. Yet as the twilight faded, things around us seemed more and more in- distinct, while the glories of the sky shone out brighter and brighter. And so we turned away from the freshness of the spring landscape, and took in the situation of the heavenly bodies. In the south was Orion, its chief stars keen and glittering, ’ while the minor ones were just flashing out, or winking like sleepy children. Near by was Canis Major, in which shone the 54 The West American Scientist. royal Sirius, undisputed king of all the fixed stars. The western Zodiacal region was faintly luminous with that great cone of light so plainly seen at this season of the year, extending past the three stars of The Ram, almost up to the twinkling Pleiades. The other parts of the constellation, Taurus, were high up near the zenith, the most conspicuous star being the red Aldebaran. The Twins followed closely, and near the faint cluster of stars which mark the place of Cancer was seen the bright planet Saturn. To the east of this was the great sickle of en and the last star of that constellation, Denebola, had just showed itself above the eastern hills. On the north were the ever-present attendants of the pole, Ursa Major, Cassiopeia and the minor constellations, while very near the zenith shone the circle of Auriga, with its star of the first magnitude, the bright Capella. Having taken this general survey. a sight which is open to the observation of every one who ts blessed with sight and who can view the open sky, we uncovered the great eye of the telescope and pointed the instrument toward the well-known nebula in Orion. We applied alow power, to give a broad field and plenty of light, and then we looked in silent admiration. Filling the whole circle of vision was a misty, luminous cloud, brighter near its center, and extending on either hand into fading wisps of light, which seemed to lie upon the dark sky like scatterings of white down. On the night side was a wide gap in the nebula, and the striking contrast betw een light and darkness made the sky behind this gap look like an ‘inky space, deep and desolate. Several bright stars shone out in the midst of the nebula; one group of four, which seem very close together, is called the Trapezium. Under favorable circumstances two others are seen in this group, and lately, by the aid of the great telescope on Mt. Hamilton, a seventh has been observed. From this, the most beautiful of nebulz, it was easy to turn to Sirius, the g grandest of the stars. As the tube came nearly into line with the beams of light which have for many months been hastening hither from that tremendous sun, lo, a bright dawn fill- ed the field of the telescope! And then the ‘orb itself shone out— brighter, keener, infinitely more full of white, hot energy than the electric light. Flashing, various and changing colors, splendid with the sharpest light conceivable, brilliant and lustrous as a diamond of the purest water, this magnificent star is doubtless the chiefest gem of all the sky. The planet Saturn next claimed our attention, and in it we found a less brilliant, but equally beautiful object for observation. To the naked eye it appeared as a bright yellow star, but in the telescope we saw a luminous globe, surrounded by a shining ring a little inclined to our line ot vision, so that it looked like a narrow ellipse. Steady and quiet, without the flashing splendor of Siri- us, it shone in tranquil beauty, a mighty planet, surrounded by a The West American Museum. ae brilliant halo, such as the old painters placed around the head of the Holy One. Having now examined the three most beautiful objects in the evening Sky. we left the observatory for a few hours, till the roll- ing earth should bring into view new scenes of interest and beauty. [TO BE CONTINUED. ] Josiah Keep. f THE WEST AMERICAN MUSEUM. It is considered advisable at this time to place a brief state- ment before the people of San Diego, and others who may be interested, relative to the plans of an institution that is soon to be organized and that is to have its existence in this fair city. Correspondence and consultations have been carried on confi- dentially with some fifty interested parties during the past few months. Very flattering encouragement has been received as the result. It is now desired to effect immediate organization; to facilitate the necessary preliminary work before incorporation a brief outline of the proposed institution is presented, that its friends may come forward and co-operate with us in the work. OBJECT. A Museum should contain the results of researches, should be a custodian of records and preéminently it should be a factor in public education. Indispensible adjuncts to a Museum are libraries, laboratories for the prosecution of original investiga- tions by specialists, schools for the training of its own workers in the best methods known, and the publication of the results of its works and discoveries. The work of the Museum is not intended to consist merely in the forming, preservation and accumulation of material (which is the ostensible aim); it is also intended to aid in the increase and diffusion of knowledge, to secure as complete data relative to each object as possible, and a new fact should be more highly pr.zed than simple additions to the cabinets without correspond- ing additions to our knowledge. | The forming of collections is of inestimable value in facilitating the study of nature, science and history, and cannot well be overestimated, but it need not necessarily interfere with, or pre- clude equally important matters. SCOPE. It is not proposed to limit the scope of the Museum in any way. Its immediate field consists of the west coast of the Ameri- can continent, extending from Alaska to Cape Horn. Arrange- ments are being made for the forming of large and exhaustive collections representing the fauna and flora, natural resources, - pre-historic remains, etc., etc., of the two Americas. Original investigations and extensive explorations will be con- 56 The West American Scientist. ducted at an early day, it is hoped, especially throughout interior Mexico, Central America and elsewhere. The very comprehensive plan of the proposed Museum, «if carried to completion, would rival any Institution in America, not even excepting the U. S. National Museum, in charge of the Smithsonian Institution. But such results require time for maturity. ‘All things are possible’ is an Arabic saying, and the little collection displayed on a tea plate a dozen years ago, grown to its present proportions, may yet rival the accumula- tion of ages under the genial skies of California. THE ORCETT COLLECTIONS. The C. R. Orcutt Miscellaneous Collections will naturally be incorporated into and form the nucleus of the West American Museum of Nature and Art. These collections are estimated to contain over one thousand specimens, and are largely representa- tive of the fauna and flora and other natural resources of Southern and Lower California. The herbarium ‘is very complete; so also are the series of shells, fossils, minerals, ete., etc. In addition to the plants of this region the herbarium con- tains plants from the Eastern States and Europe. The display of native grasses of San Diego and vicinity, awarded a diploma at the First Horticultural Fair held in San Diego, forms a por- tion of the herbarium and one feature of the Department of Economic Botany of the proposed Museum. The Forestry Department, aiso connected with the Division of Botany, will be a special feature of the Museum, and it will be our policy to develop the local resources especially, after the plan of the Jessup collection in the American Museum of Natural History, of New York City. A fine series of wood sections of California, Eastern and West Indian trees and shrubs (also awarded a diploma at the first Horticultural Fair held in San Diego), and to which many additions have lately been made, forms a nucleus for this section of the Museum. The above series of woods is supplemented by a great variety of nuts and seeds from various parts of the world. The work of the Department of Economic Botany will also include the introduction and distribution of seeds and plants, which will form a very important feature and materially aid in the establishment of a botanic and experimental garden in con- nection with the Museum. The wholesale seed and plant busi- ness, which has been conducted by C. R. Orcutt during the last eight years, will greatly facilitate the carrying out of very com- prehensive plans relative to this work, and will render this de- partment self-supporting should it be considered necessary or desirable by the management that it should yield an income. THE LIBRARY. An indispensible adjunct to a Museum is a library. At the present time, Pacific Coast students are compelled, in their prose- The West American Museum. Ly. cutions of original biological investigations, to consult Eastern, and in many cases, European libraries, from the lack of any libraries of note in California of a scientific character. A feature that should be prominent in every library is the pre- servation of local history. No library is nearly complete without complete files of all the newspapers, magazines, and_ posters, and circulars, as it is possible to secure. Every book or other publication, containing even the slightest reference to the region, should be preserved, and especially all Government reports and scientific papers—often fugitive essays in foreign papers or maga- zines, or in the proceedings of some society far removed. These papers are often indispensable to the historical or biological student to avoid error, incompleteness and injustice to others in his own work. The library of C, R. Orcutt contains some thousands of scien- tific books, pamphlet, stray papers, files of newspapers, and the files of scientific and other exchanges of the WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST, which is being continually added to through various exchanges and purchases. In some respects the collection is unique and could not well be duplicated without great expense and trouble. Among the older Beaten are two bearing the date of 1771. Some of the scientific books are valued as high as $40.00 for a single volume. PUBLICATIONS. THE WEsT AMERICAN SCIENTIST will continue to be published monthly, and become the organ of the Museum. The influence of the magazine will be greatly to the advantage of the Museum at the start, and the exchanges with other magazines, individuals and societies, and literature "received for review will very materi- ally augment the library. It will doubtless be found desirable to issue other series of publications such as bulletins, annual reports, memoirs, etc.; but these will not be immediately necessary. it will be best to establish a liberal system of exchanges throughout the United States and Europe, this often being “the only way of securing invaluable publications of some foreign institutions. EXCHANGES, In addition to a system of exchanges of publications it will be necessary to arrange to exchange with other American institu- tions and individuals and foreign societies, sending them speci- mens of our plants and animals, minerals and fossils, in return for which they will gladly send us series for their own countries. ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNMENT. It is proposed to incorporate at an early date, under the laws of the State of California. The government of the Museum will be in the hands of a Board of Regents, consisting of ladies or 58 The West American Scientist. gentlemen chosen especially for their services in the cause of science, and who therefore seem suitable for the position. The number of Regents shall not exceed twenty-five at one time. The general management and executive work of the Museum will be in the hands of the Director, who shall be responsible only to the Board of Regents, of which he shall be a member. THE MUSEUM STAFF. In addition to the officers and regents of the institution, there are more than a score of young men ready to enter the service of the Museum in any capacity, willing virtually to give their time to work. These stand ready to enter the field in making explorations and collections in any region we may designate as soon as we can guarantee their nominal expenses. ‘It will not do to neglect nor slight these offers of services,’ writes a friend of the institution, ‘so willing to work hard and fare poorly, and with so good character and aims. These young men seem raised up for our work, and ready to give good aid from the start, and willing to do anything.’ We hope to receive sufficient encouragement and financial aid to very shortly avail ourselves of these offers of assistance and service which we have received from men of ability and experi- ence—some even of national renown. Further statements will be madein the near. A block of land valued at $20,000.00 has been donated for the site of the pro- posed Museum. Other donations of land, money, books or specimens will soon be in order. LE TEE ROSE LNMCRAD: In 1862-3 this tree, Pyrus Malus Parkmanii, was received from Japan, by the late Col. Francis L. Lee, and by him given to Dr. Francis Parkman, in whose delightful garden it stands to-day. It isabout 12 feet high, and full as wide, and has an exceedingly dense head of fine branches, resembling in its habit of growth a fine thorn. It has a remarkable habit of flowering the whole length of the past season’s growth as well as from the older spurs, and each bud produces regurlarly five blossoms. These are set on stems three inches long, and so slender that they bend with the weight of the bud or bloom, in a very graceful fashion. The buds themselves are of a rich carmine color, and are in shape exactly like a choice tea-rose bud, only more slender, while full as long. They are almost precisely like, in color and form, the new tea-rose Pere Gontier, only not so large. This is a point of great importance in looking for a perfect apple blossom, as all others so far known, have the ends of the buds blunt and ill- formed. The fully opened blossoms are semi-double and of a lighter carmine color than the buds. The foliage is narrow, wedge-shaped, very firm, and quite glossy, being curiously dis- ig kh be 6 elk 5 See eed ee en The Tea Rose Crab. 59 tinct from ali others of the apple family, and takes on in autumn the richest crimson and orange colors. The whole tree is a rich cloud of carmine colors, and the superb graeefulness of the whole is indescribable. We are indebted to the Shady Hill Nurseries, Cambridge, Mass., for the beautiful illustration of this crab presented our readers this month. It is being introduced and is for sale by them. Our readers are advised to send them their address for their new catalogue containing colored plates of various novel- Lies. 60 The West American Scientist. Ay NEW “ROSE-GALTL. A spherical gall, an inch or more in diameter, is very frequent on the wild rose in this neighborhood. (Swift Creek, Custer Co., Colo.) Its surface is somewhat shiny, usually corrugated, in color reddish-yellow varying to pink and dull purplish. It grows surrounding the rose twig, so that it projects beyond and from the middle of the gall. In an old gall, from which most of the insects had escaped, I was fortunate in finding a dead and somewhat imperfect specimen of the imago, which is about three millimeters long, almost black, and shiny, with red- dish legs and somewhat fuscous wings. I sent some of the galls to the Department of Agriculture, and Mr. L. O. Howard in- forms me that they are the product of Rhodites tuberculator Riley, Ms., an undescribed species. LT. D. A. Cockerell. WEsT CLIFF, CoLo., March 12, 1888. AINEW UNIO. BY S. HART WRIGHT. Unio OrRcuTTI (Sp. novo). Shell oblong-ovate, inequilateral, not attenuated posteriorly, abruptly jointed behind, and some- times slightly biangulated there, in front evenly rounded, basal margin gradually convex, and eften nearly straight, dorsal margin nearly straight, or moderately arched. Epidermis variable, olive- brown, or olive-yellow, or reddish-brown, with many faint green rays in fascicles, and three or four zones of growth, of darker color on the dividing lines. Surface smooth and often shining. Umbo obtuse, depressed, and slightly raised above the dorsum. Um- bonial ridge much depressed and very obtusely rounded. Pos- terior slope depressed, scarcely carinated, descending steeply and in nearly a straight line to the joint, which is carried up to the transverse axis. Cicatrices distinct, well impressed, those of the dorsum are over the umbonial cavity. Cardinal teeth short, erect, summits divaricate, granulate, firm. Lateral teeth slightly curved, arising from the cardinal tooth, acicular at extremity, and groove deep. Nacre a livid-white, copper-colored, or brilliant salmon, or purple, and chocolate colored. Cavity of beaks shallow. Habitat, Manatee River and west coast of Florida (C. T. Simpson), and in Lake Miakka, Florida (Dr. W. Newcomb). In cabinet of Academy Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, National Museum, and Cornell University. Width 2.35, length 1.5, diam- eter 1 inch. | Observations. The affinity of this species is with U. Gedding- sianus, Lea, but is more oval than the latter. It is with pleasure we dedicate this species to Mr. Charles R. Orcutt, a working con- chologist of San Diego, Cal. = 2 ~ 7 = . 0 Sl gee See ee el Wii Bits es —— = i ae er Se |. eee LN \ N\\\ \\\\\ iN Ny HH MUM tM A With at iat Hin , He i UNIO ORCUTTII.—S. HART WRIGHT. FLORIDA. THE WEstT AMERICAN SCIENTIST, APRIL, 1888. Scientific Miscellany. 5. ae SCIENTIFIC (MISCELLANY. (Compiled by Maurice Lopatecki. ) The belief that human beings should sleep with their heads to the north is said to have its foundation in a scientific fact. The French Academy of Science has made experiments upon the body of a guillotined man which go to prove that each human system is in itself an electric battery, one electrode being repre- sented by the head, the other by the feet. The body was taken immediately after death and placed on a pivot, to move as it might. After some vacillation the head portion turned toward the north, the body then remaining stationary. One of the pro- fessors turned it half way around, but it soon regained its original position, and the same result was repeatedly obtained until or- ganic movement finally ceased. The mean height of the land above sea level, according to John Murray, is 2,250 feet, and the mean depth of the ocean is 12,480 feet. Only 2 per cent. of the sea is included inside a depth of 500 fathoms, while 75 percent. lies between 500 and 3000 fathoms. If the land were filled into the hollows, the sea would roll over the earth’s crust to a uniform depth of two miles. Tigers have lately been reported from two extremes of Siberia —Vladivostock, upon the Japan Sea, and a point to the north of the Caspian Sea. They have long been known in the Chinese forests near Vladivostock, but their appearance in the region of the Caucasus is quite remarkable. Australia has some giant caterpillars. Mr. A. S. Olliff, of Sid- ney, mentions one moth larva, abundant during the past season, as being seven inches long, and specimens of larvae of two other species measure eight inches in length. Occultations of stars and planets are extremely rare, but Dr. Berberich of Berlin, believes observations of them would be very important, throwing light on the extent and density of planetary atmospheres, and in the case of Mars and Venus affording a means for the determination of parallax and diameter. Mr. E. M. Hasbrouck asserts that ten species of North Ameri- can birds can be regarded as missing. Of those, two—the great auk and the Labrador duck—are believed to have become ex- tinct, while the following eight, through scarcity or diminutive- ness, were ‘lost’ with the taking of the first specimens, and are now being eagerly sought. The carbonated warbler, blue moun- tain warbler, small headed warbler, Cuvier’s kinglet, Townsend’s bunting, Brewster’s linnet, Bachman’s warbler and the Cincinnati warbler. The direct conversion of heat into electric work is a problem that continues to tax the ingenuity of the electricians. What seems to be the most promising attempt at solution yet made is a 62 _ The West American Scientist. new thermo-magnetic generator and motor devised by M. Menges, of Hague. Like the recent pyro-magnetic dynamo of Edison, it depends on the fact that the magnetic metals lose their magnetic power when heated. It claims several important advantages, however, the chief being that the necessary alterations ot heating and cooli-g are given automatically, and that the cores of the armature coils are relieved from changes of temperature. Considerable differences in the standard barometers of the principal European observatories have been found by Mr. E. A. Sundell, of the Scientific Society of Finland. The sh:dow of the total solar eclipse of last August was fifty- six time; as bright as the light of the full moon, as estimated by the time required to photograph a landscape The government of Egypt has been pursuaded to make sur- veys which prove the existence of a depressed region nearly sixty miles long by twenty miles wide, reaching a depth of 250 to 300 feet below high Nile. This depression has for several years been held by Mr. D. Cope Whitehouse to be the site of the won- derful artificial Lake Moeris described by Herodotus—fictitiously, many have believed—with a circumference of 450 miles. The interest at last aroused in Egypt makes it probable that the Nile will soon be admitted to this valley by a canal eleven miles long. The creation or restoration of this great artificial lake will give fertility to a wide area, and will reduce the annual inundations of the Nile, while storing water to replenish the river in dry seasons. TERMS) CSEDAIN GEAaLiING, TO. ,DOMEST TS ANIMALS. EDITORS OF THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST:—In controlling the movements of domestic animals by the voice, besides words of ordinary import, man uses a variety of peculiar terms, calls and inarticulate sounds—not to include whistling—which vary in different localities. In driving yoked cattle and harnessed horses teamsters cry ‘get up,’ ‘click click’ (tongue against teeth), ‘gee,’ ‘haw,’ ‘whoa,’ ‘ whoosh,’ ‘back,’ etc., in English speaking coun- tries; “‘ arre,” ‘ arri;’ “yth,’ “ete; etc2; in European !countres In the United States ‘gee’ directs the animals away, from the driver, hence to the right, but, according to Webster’s Dic- tionary, in England the same term has the opposite effect because the driver walks on the right hand side of his team. In Virginia mule drivers gee the animals with the cry ‘hep-yee-ee-a;’ in Nor- folk, England, ‘ whoosh-wo;’ in France, ‘hue’ and ‘huhaut;’ in Germany ‘hott’ and ‘hotte;’ in some parts of Russia ‘haita,’ serve the same purpose. To direct animals to the left another ser.es of terms is used. In calling cattle in the field the following cries are used in the localities given: ‘boss, boss’ (Conn.); ‘sake, sake’ (Conn.); ‘coo, Terms Used in Talking to Domestic Animals. 63 coo’ (Va.); ‘sook, sook,’ also ‘sookey’ (Md.); ‘sookow’ (Ala.); ‘tlofi, tlofi’ (Russia); and for calling horses, ‘ kope, kope’ (Md. and Ala.); for calling sheep, ‘konanny’ (Md.); for calling hogs, ‘chee-00-00’ (Va.). | The undersigned is desirous of collecting words and expressions (oaths excepted) used in addressing domesticated animals in all parts of the United States and in foreign lands. In particular he seeks intormation as to: 1. The terms used to start, hasten, haw, gee, back and stop horses, oxen, camels and other animals in harness. 2. Terms used for calling in the field: cattle, horses, mules, -asses, camels, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, and other animals. 3. Exclamations used in driving from the person, domestic animals. 4. Any expressions and inarticulate sounds used in addressing domestic animals for any purpose whatever (dogs and cats). 5: References to information in works of travel and general literature will be very welcome. Persons willing to collect and forward the above mentioned data will conter great obligations on the writer; he is already in- debted to many correspondents for kind replies to his appeal for the Counting-out Rhymes of Chilaren, the results of which have been published in a volume with that title. (Elliot Stock, London.) To indicate the value of vowels in English please use the vowels-signs of Webster’s Unabridged, and in cases of difficulty spell phonetically, All correspondence will be gratefully received, and materials used wili be credited to the contributors. Yours truly, | fT. Cas rington Bolton. New York CIrTy. University Club. EDITORIAL. We present a preliminary statement in this issue of The West American Museum of Nature and Art. which will probably be an incorporared institution by the time this reaches our readers. The importance to be attached to the proposed establishment can hardly be over-estimated, and we hope to receive the assistance and co-operation of every scientist on the coast. The proposal has thus far met with most unqualified approval from leading men which is quite gratifying to us and we look forward to the com- plete success of the undertaking, vast as its scope surely is. We have to acknowledge the compliment paid us in this num- ber by Dr. S. Hart Wright, the well-known botanist and con- chologist, who dedicates a new Unio from Florida to the editor— a courtesy which we appreciate. The West American Scientist, RK. B. TRovstort & Co, 37 AND 39 COLLEGE AVENUE, a eS EE ea SO 5 oN LAIN ates ARE HEADQUARTERS FOR ARDTIFICIA GLASS BYTES of every Eind. We recently purchased Frank H. Lattin’s entire stock, which, with our previous large stock aud iate purchases, places us in a position to fill orders promptly and satisfactorily. Try us. List free. SSP yey opi ope S[c steer Nae (Sepa ae eae Our cork is the best and cheapest in the market. Our pins have no su- periors as to quality, and no competitors as to price, quality considered. Our setting boards are equal to the best and cheap as the cheapest. Pal AUP See aS Soa nee ae a ims ES pes Se Glass eyes, tools, poisons, stuffing materials, embalming chemicals, etc., etc. List free. (Slopes septa (a(ejons/=2 Drills of all kinds, Blow-pipes, Callipers and Calliper Rules, Embryo Hooks, Pencils, etc., ete. We have the following first-class eggs for sale, either single or in sets. Many of them we have in quantities. ‘There are a few varieties, however, that we only have a few of. While we always strive to fill all orders in full, we would ask that you specify several ‘‘extras’’ to allow for possible ‘‘outs’’. All specimens post paid at prices mentioned. N. A. BIRD EGGS.—Ridgeway’s Nomenclature. 1, 10c; 4a, 45¢e; 11, 10c; 12, 3; 13, 4; 22, 3c; 49, 25ce; 56, 25c; 60, 25e; 63, 5c; 67, 5c; 88ce, 30; 93, 5c; 122, .20c; 123, 10c; 185, 15c; 145, 25c; 149, 25c; 149a, 20c; 152, 20c; 153, 5c; 154, 5c; 157, 5c; 161, 25c; 164, 25; 170a, 8c; 181, 6c; 182, 20; 183, 20; 197, 6c; 198, 20c; 198a, 55c; 202, 35c; 204, 12c; 204a, 20c; 207, 70c; 211, 3c; 21la, 20c; 217, 30c; 231, 3c; 231, 10c; 237, 20c; 238a, 30c; 240b, 20c; 242, 9c; 244, 18c; 248, 12c; 251, 20c; 254, 12e; 258, 5c; 258a, 45c; 260, 10c; 261, 3c; 261a, 10c; 262, 18c; 264, 15c; 270, 10c; 272, 20c; 274, 10c; 275, 55c; 277, 18c; 278. 7c; 278b, Te; 232, 8c; 286, 45e; 289, 5c; 301, 18c; 312, 15c; 324, 28c; 358, 70c; 361, 23c; 372, 28; 378, 5c; 378b, 15c; 387, 18c; 395, 60c; 402, 48c; 439a, $1.20; 455, $1.00; 460, 7c; 470a, $1.00; 480, 11c; 480b, 20c; 482, 15c; 490, 18c; 492, 18c; 494, 10c; 495, 15¢; 496, 45c; 522, 35c; 555, 35c; 569, 20c; 571, 15c; 573, 45c; 574, 13¢; 578, 95c; 579, 15c; 580, 18c3 585, 95c; 606, 10c; 640, 95c; 643. 35c; 643a, 30c; 645, 85c; 650, 30c; 656, 20c; 658, 65c; 663, 75c; 668, 60c; 669, 80c; 688, 18¢; 690, 10c, 723, 25c; 735, 15c; 748, 35; 763, 25; 763a, 35c; 325a, 28c. We will exchange for any variety in any quantity at half our list rates. For eggs not in our collection we will allow full rates. Send for list of specimens we desire. SPECIAL NOTICE. All parties ordering goods from any of our supply lists, amounting to $2.00, will receive THe Wrst AMERICAN Scientist, free, for one year, per special arrangement with it’s publisher, C. R. Orcutt. All ordering eggs or curiosities, from any of our lists, amounting to $1.25, will receive THE West AMERICAN SCIENTIST, free, for one year. Send stamps for amounts of $1.00 or less, over $1.00 Postal Note, Ex- press Oraer, P. O. Money Order or Draft. Order now while we have a big stock to select from and get the best. The West American Sctentist. The Savings Bank. Consolidated National Bank. OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY. In the Consolidated Bank Building, corner of H and CAPITAL PAID IN, - $250,000. Fifth streets. SURPLUS FUND, - = _ 50,000. CAPITAL, - « - $100,000. ia : ;OFFICERS:-: BRYANT HOWARD, - - . << President. James M. Pierce, é - 2 President. | E. W. MORSE, ~— - : - - Vice-President. Geo. A. Cowles, - : Vice-President. | JOHN GINTY, - - - - Sante Cashier. John Ginty, - - = Secretary and TreaSurer. W. H. CLARKE, : - - Assistant Cashier. > IDIRECTORS:-: — DIRECTORS.—— O. 5S. Witherby, H. Mabury, E. W. Morse, | Hiram Mabury, O. 8S. Witherby, John Ginty, Geo. A. Cowles, James M. Pierce, KE, W. Morse, James McCoy, James McCoy, Bryant Howard, S. Levi, Bryant Huward. Interest Allowed on Deposits. Money we Exchange on all the Principal Cities of America Loaned on Real Estate, and Europe bought and sold. POLORS “FOR NATURALISTS. A Nomenclature of Colors for Naturalists, and Compendium of Useful Knowledge for Ornithologists. By ROBERT RIDGWAY, Curator, Departinent of Birds, United States National Museum. Ten Colored Plates and seven Plates of Outline Illustrations. So: Cileth.. 64.0OC. For sale by C. R. ORCUTT, San Diego, California. MAMILTON & CO: SAN DLEGO,,.CAL. Dealers in General Merchandise ¢ A SUPPLY STORH FOR FARMERS and FAMILIES —_—~g@-———_. We handle the products of this county, and ask for orders for} Honey, Beeswax, San Diego Raisins, Lemons, Oranges, Ktc., Etc. Please mention this magazine in writing to, advertisers, The West American Sctentist. E. M. HAIGHTS BARGAIN LIST TERMS—Cash, w EV Ee ey OS 4. ith order, and if in any amount less than twenty-five cents, add four cents extra for package and return postage. Birds’ Eggs. Eggs are all perfect, one hole, side blown, and can be supplied either singly or in full sets with data. Nal OB OIE No. EGGS PRICE No IN SET. PER EGG | ne, TPutted Pain, «nice so 58 Li) hg MOT5 ng* Western (sal 13205 ear te as 51a American Herring Gull...3.... 15 Se. Lauehine Gills. ss we secnm: ye fe) TO, A_OINAONM ERED © v5.0 shes obs kee O4 | 80° Black: Skimimer. 3. .o.lce A aan. 08: 120c Farallone Cormborant......3 2201. 50| i22, Brandet’s Cormorant .....3.4- 2-25 123b Baitd’s Cormorant a5 ess Saat 25 | io “Louisianmatieronm 5%. 3 Bete. 08 208. Green Pierem haat eye aM 05 22t'., American Ceot. .. /\: Re 05 316, Mourning Dover... 5 - ae O02) 378 Burrowing Owl..... tO Tope 15 435 ° Road, RUMNeh is « day c.10's Age 15 413» Red Shafted Flickers s5°6 294) 05 444 Kingbird..... 5 ibys meena ea mm 448 Cassin’s Kingbird....3 4 5.... 20 405) Cowbirdlni ev eeta sin 5 Ris 03 498 Red-winged Blackbird...4.... 02 508) Bullock's Oriole jiiwan Ac 5c 08 510 Brewer’s Blackbird ....4 5..-. 04 5tg9a Crimson House Finch..4 5.... 04 581. Song: Sparrow, <«c\n. AS Ons 02 591b California Lowhee.. /.>.-- Hise 05 593 Cardinal Grosbeak--° °°: Bins tain O4 622a White-rumped Shrike..4 5.... 04, 703° Mocking bigd. 2 cd t.. sen re O4 OA Cat ivd «a2 Con Ose eeee es Ae. o2 713, Cactus: Wren es. veee ee Ae 08 721a Parkman s Wrens. 7-5. 7/0 04 Curiosities PRICE. Alhieator Teeth: 2552 4cap pene ee 05 Buffalo: Teeth ::: 0.43. Joe eee IO Bird Wings (3 var-aamed)-+.2:. 2s 05 Crazy: Weed Pods. .ia.0 i eaoee 3 for 05 Cactus Wood, (curious)......... 05 to 25 Sycamore Tree? Balls: 3.5 eee 3 for 05 California Ground Squirrel Tails.... 10 Chinese: Chopsticks: 7..<0272 per pair 08 i Game Cards.ic.s 35° kaa 2 AGT 05 J Slow .Matches 2% -sig.cethow 05 rs Game Stones /<'.. sii emp 2 for 05 Chinese Coins (very old). ...... each 05 Chilacothe Bean Pods (large and CUSIONS) saa hag. Hes Ghee 25 Coral (small white branching)...... 05 Cal. Live Oak Tree Acorns...... 3 for 05 i‘ ant Balls 26.2. O5M@ ao Clear Quarizs.:Jeuis; 22> Sone ees 05 DriedwOlives - oa 25.8 ocho eae oe 3 for 05 Gold dust Sand (S. A.) per package Io Forse Soe, Oras... ea ee 05 to 10 Hawk Moth Cocoons:.:'. 250 )tauecee 10 Horned Toads (stuffed) ............ 50 Indian Bread Moss.....per package 05 Indian Arrow Heads (imperfect)... 05 Japanese Paper Napkins. ..-.. 2for 05 Liver Beams. auttiels dered eee 05 to '0 Money Cowry Shells ..........- 2 for 05 Pampas Grass Plumes, 15c. each, 2 for 25c.. 5. for .50c., 12 eee Poreupine, Outlises. ..eo% = ui per doz. 05 Petrified Wood (very fine) ....05 to I 00 Sand ‘Tubese...cc.+ esse es 05 Skates, Hees... 2...) cpa» 200 05 Sharks Ege@s.......i:0. 05 5-00hel eee 15 Sea Urchins, (Pacific) ..0.44 5 to 10 California Sea Shells. Acmae Persona..i..2 40 27 Clee 03 Chlorostoma Funebrale ~~ .2°>. 29.9 ee 03 Fisswella. Volcano, ic: + i-saeaee ee Holiotis Cracherodit.2.2.5...23 05 to I 00 Lottia Gigantea:t2var 2it coon eee 05 Minerals. Astganite: HM . fleeces ss sceee e5 to 50 Callettiee sin nisa0 5 Satan ate ae 05 to I 0O- | Cassiterite (‘Tin Ore)... °.2-: 05 to I 00 Dufkenite 2 2 abe 8s eee 05 to I 00 Epidote:toc.2c viata o5to 75 Garnet (Aluniin) .<. 1) 22-9 ee 05 to T 00 docrase 7.2 n\F_ Ree 05 to I 00 Petrified Wood (very fine) ....05 to I 50 Vermaculite (or quartz)...... .05 to I 00 U. S. Copper Cents. | 1803 Head to Right....-. s+ eeee 25 | 1817 Head to Left, 13 Stars. ....... 10 T8185 bi Shy EO eo he ee 08 rsrg) 9 28 9 eee ee fe) 1820 Uncirculated:..t. 2.7.-4- 40 1821 Head to Lefts. 2.04. 2. Siete 30 1 Baa” BE SO ese ee 30 FROG SE TE gees

ies ee 15 T9294 ES ee Le 20.4 T83b, ou. OO op ok Sa gee oa fe) 1832 ee «¢ cé Io maga ted AL PS) Riek Sas see fe) 4c)? eM comme aber: NS 05 1835 Head 1834: «..0) pwsu> See 10 1837 Plain, Hair String......---+-- Pa TSZB veal venies Ges» Opec eel kee 08 TSAO AG 8 22 DAT. . OER ee 08 1852 Head to Left: ~~. - wn cesses 05 1868 Bronze, Indian Head.:..7-.2 3; 08 1880 r cg same PS 05 Any of the foregoing price-list sent post-paid on receipt of two cents for each, Birds’ Eggs, Minerals, Shells, Curiosities. Fifty cents worth of specimens free trom this list to every new subscriber to THE WEST AMER- ICAN SCIENTIST, who sends $1.00 to E. M. Haight, Riverside, Cal. The West American Scientist. Steel Jews FOR “rian Sey USE in fine drawing, Nos. 659 (Crowquill), 290 and zor. FOR FINE WRITING, Nos. 303 and Ladies’, 170. FOR BROAD WRITING, Nos. 294, 389 and Stub Point, 849. FOR GENERAL WRITING, Nos. 332, 404, 390 and 604. Joseph Gillott & Sons, 91 John St. N.Y, HENRY HOE, Sore AGENT, Sold by ALL DEALERS throughout the World. Gold Medal Paris Exposition, 1878. ‘Newspaper Advertising’ A BOOK OF 266 PAGES DEVOTED TO THE SUBJECT OF NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING, SET Every Advertiser, whether an experienced or only an intending one, should possess a copy. Sent post-paid on receipt of 30 cents. GEO. P. ROWELL & €0., Newspaper Advertising Bureau, 10 SPRUCE ST., NEW YORK. fey ENT SCH ER, GENERAL COMMISSION FORWARDING AND SHIPPING. San Diego, Cal. ‘Wewar ded ¢ are b those wha read this and then act; they will find honorable em- ployment that will not take them from their homes and families. The profits are large and sure for every industrious per on, many have made and are now making several huudred dol- lars a month, It is easy for any one to make $5 and upwards per day, whois willing to work. Either sex, young or old; capital not needed; we start you. Everything new. No special abilit) required; you, reader, can de it as well as any one. Write to us at once for full particula’s, which we mail free. Ad- dress Stinson & Co., Portland, Maine, 32.44. Sea Wonders exist in thousands of forms, but are surpas ed by the marvels of invention. Those who are in need of profitable work P that can be done while living at home, should at once send their address to Hallet & Co.. Portland, sex, of all ages, can earn from $5 to $25 per day and upwards wherever they live. You are started free. a Single day at this work. Ali succeed. 32.44, has revolutionized the world during | tl i aes the wonders of inventive rogress is a method and system of out separating the workers from their homes. Pay liberal; any one can do the work; either sex, young ed; you are started free Cut this out and return to us and we will send you free, something of great value which will bring you in more money right away, than anytning else in the world. Grand outnt free. Ad- Maine, and receive free, full information how either Capital not required. Some have made over $50 in the last haf century. Not least work that can be sectty med all over the country with- or old; no special ability required. Capital not need- and importance to you, that will start you in business, dress TRUE & Co., Augusta, Maine. 32.44. ——:JOB OFFICE AND SCHOOL FOR: —— ‘Short- Hand and Type - Writing. Letters and Legal Mattei taken from dictation neatly and quickly, and all sorts of job work done cheaply at Room 9, M. E. Church Block, Miss M. F. PERIN. The Cheapest Illustrated Literary Magazine Published, THE BUDGET. Devoted to Mental and Moral Culture and the Entertainment of its Readers. Handsomely Printed and Bound and Edges Cut. Amply Illustrated with Fine Engravings. The Worli’s Gondensed Cyclopedia as Prem Um. Subscription, $1.25 per year, in advance, Premium postpaid Cn rceeeipt of $2.00 we will send THE BuDGET one year, the Premium Book, and 52 Popular Works, including Standard Nov- els, Poetiy, Historv, ete. Send for De- scriptive Lists of Premianms and Popular Books mentioned. Address, Trt bUDGE SS. Marysville, Cal. zs’ Advertising Rates Reasonable and Made Known on Application The West American Scientist. The Ornithologist and Oologist. The Botanical Gazette. ESTABLISHED 1875 f ; A well printed, fully illustrated, and Now in its TurrtrEnTH YEAR as a maga- carefully edited journal, covering the zine of Ornithology and Oology. The old- whole field of botany, and especially com- est journal in that especial field of science, plete in all that pertains to the growth of and fully exemplifies that adage, ‘‘ THE science in America. SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.”’ : 3 : There are articles and items of interest for all classes of botanists—the profes- : , fae sional, the amateur, and plant lover. The Bristol Ornithological Club volume for 1887 (twelfth) contained 308 pages, 17 plates and 17 cuts in the text. PUBLISHED FOR THE As a monthly magazine of value to students of Bird Life. Under the editorial manage- A series of illustrated articles on Euro- ment of pean laboratories is being specially pre Frederic H. Carpenter pared to appear during 1888. Send 10 cents for a sample copy. None Free. Subscription $1.00 per year. | “2.0 Oa Year. ORNITHOLOGIST AND QOLOGISY. Address the Editors and Publishers: 409 Washington St., JOHN mM. COULTER. Crawfordsville, Ind BOSTON, MASS. CHARLES R. CARNES, Madison, Wis. J. Cc. ARTHUR, La Fayette, Ind. a= Die ee Peel 5 ae me MORRIS.) -4-) 2! SRETNOTS, J] BARN SHORT-HAND REPORTING. HEADQUARTERS FOR < : Thorough Instruction by Mail. Terms Reasonable, Mazan Creek Fossils. Finest in the world, Success Certain. Address, DUJARDINS. Choice collections from $1 to $100. | * Samples, by mail, of Fossil Fern, | T. S. PRiCE, SuHort-Hanpo Reporter, ete., 25 cents. | Box 382, Marysville, Cap R@” WRITE FOR TERMS. THE MUSEUM. | | A N illustrated magazine for Young Naturalists and | Collectors, contain'ng articles by eminent Scien- | tists. 25 sets (consisting of the only four numbers Is a combination of Phosphorus, Albumen, Pro- ' published) still on hand. ‘these will be sold for 40 togon, Lime, Soda and Iron, which act on the cents}; er set; original price 15 cents per number. Brain, Nerves and Stomach, increasing the Address E. A. BARBER, appetite, assisting Digestion, Curing Dys- Box 2118, West Chester, Penn’a. pepsia, inevery form, Headache, Neuralgia, Insomnia, General Debility, Want of Vi- | tality, Nervous Prostration and tmp | CHANCES TO SWAP. tence. In Hysteria and Epilepsy its effects E vical y C - : triti | Notices inserted under this head for five cents are magical. In Consumption its nutritive | per line for each insertion; fifty cents per line qualities are beyond comparison with charged by the year. Only notices accepted. other preparations. Its action is shown by : the increasing strength and weight of the What have you to exchange for a rem- patient, and the loss of cough and night edy that will cure Catarrh and Hayfever? sweats. It is a brain, nerve, and life | Address, Mrs. F. E. YATES, giving tonic. Price, $1.50 per bottle. Sharon, Wis. 9 CHARLES RUSSEL ORGUTY, Editor, - - San Diego, California. Associate Editors :—Prof. Josiah Keep, Mills College, Cal.; W. R. Lighton, San Diego, Cal, R. B. Trouslot, Valparaiso, Ind.; Wm. E. Loy, 423 Clay St., San Francisco, Cal. os, tees THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. An illustrated monthly magazine, devoted to the recording of original investigations and thought and the popularizing of the natural sciences. Tro SUBSCRIBERS, The price is $1 a year, when paid in advance; $1.25, if not so paid. Ten dollars paid at any one time entitles the subscriber to a copy for life, or so long as the magazine may be published. Subscription price for Great Britain, five shillings. Back numbers, with a few exceptions, can be ob- tained at 10 cents each. Remit by express or Post Office money orders, pay- able to C. R. Oncorr. Subscription and Advertising Agents: E. M. Hateut, Riverside, California. R B.Txrovstor & Co., Valparaiso, Indiana. Wauittremore & Hupson, Fitchburg, Mass. E. DruaportrE, Chemin des Angles, Fontenay sous Bois, (near Paris), France. W. P. Corus, 157 Gt. Portland St., London, England. Address THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST, San Diego, California, DAN DIEGO LAND wt TOWN COMPANY This Company offers for sale in tracts to suit purchasers 40,000 Acres of the Choicest Frait Lands on the Continent In 20 and 40 Acre Tracts, Also near National City, on Motor Street Railway line, 5-acre tracts for Homes, with ample supply of pure, cheap soft water. Business and Residence Property in San Diego and National City. These lands lie adjacent to the Bay of San Diego, Convenient to Towns, Markets, Schools, Churches and Railread facilities. For profitable and successful culture of Oranges, Lemons, Apples, Grapes, Pears, Peaches, Apricots, Olives, and an endless variety of other fruits, besides Gardening, General Farming, Raisin, Wine and Grape Growing, these lands offer advantages not found elsewhere, and will be sold to Actual Settlers at Low Pricesand on Hasy Termes. The Company also offers for sale Lots and Blocks in National City, Cal., the Pacifle Coast Terminus of the Southwestern Railway System, This part of the Pacific Southwest, favored with a perfect climate, soil of unsurpassed fertility, unexcelled natural advantages, is destined to rank first in wealth and population. For Maps, further particulars, and full information respecting the advantages offered by this part of Southern California, address WwW. G. DICKINSON, Supt. San Diego Land and Town Company, National City, California, Please Mention this magazine. Ea ee Mee ge Ae - . : =e " os. 4 ———— ee ee i VoLumE IV. WHOLE No. 37. ee = West + Nmerican + pclentist. MAY, 1888. CONTENTS: The Willows of British Columbia and Alaska..... M. Lopatecki...... 64 SMIOE W PAINE tle plgriy eal doe es «ye alowew H. R. Taylor...... 66 SR TRMMTLON SS SUCCE ICEL ils) .”. a). 0.cle ec aNiwlaid o.'n oleic 44 einae inte biolelaale cabaneay 66 Centennial of Cincinnati and the Central States..............-4++0++-67 The Most Northern Station of Agave Shawii ............+ ccseeceees 68 a C. R. ORCUTT, - PUBLISHER SAN DIEGO, - = = CALIFORNIA, Price, 10 Cents. tb 5 ds ACID PHOSPHATE, (ULQTWID.) _ A preparation of the RnceBHeses that is readily assimilated by the system. ESPECIALLY RECOMMENDED FOR Dyspepsia, Mental and Physical Exhaus- tion, Indigestion, Headache, Nerv- ousness, Wakefulness, Im- paired Vitality, Etc. Prescribed and endorsed by Physicians of all schools. It combines well with such stimulants as are necessary to take. It makes a delicious drink with water and sugar only. For sale by all druggists Pamphlet free. Rumford Chemical Works, Providence, R, I, Beware of Imitations. THe West American Scientist, VOL. 4. MAY, 1888. No. 37 Pie MIL LOWS,.OF | BRITISH “COLUMBIA AND ALASKA. The Salicacae or Willows are very abundant in the north-west of this continent, and are to be met with as well on. the main- land, as on the islands, in the swampy localities and on very great elevations of the Rocky Mountains and their branches. The willow which grows in very high localities, in fact the highest growing willow on this continent, is Salix arctica, var. petraca, Anders. It is found in the high parts of the Rocky and Selkirk Mountains at an elevation of 8,000 feet. In the swamps and valleys of the same mountains between Lat. 49°—56° is found Salix Barrattiana, Hook. Salix Balsamifera, Barratt., sometimes called Balsam-willow, is found in thickets on the Nechacco River, British Columbia. The Hoary Willow (Salix candida, Willd.), abundant in the northern part of British Columbia, and in the Cypress Hills and near Pincher Creek, N. W, Territory. The Heart-leaved Willow (Salix cordata, Muhl.), is very com- mon in the Rocky Mountains to the Fraser River, also in thick- ets near Victoria, Vancouver Island. The Prairie Willow (Salix desertorum, Rich.), found through the Rocky Mountains to the Columbia Valley, and at Clinton, a Salix drummondiana, Barratt., clings to the summit of the Selkirk Mountains and also to the valleys of the Rocky Moun- tains between Lat. 52°—56°. Salix flavescens, Nutt., on the banks of the Columbia, at Donald. Salix flavescens, var., Scouleriana, Bebb, common on the coast of the province, and in the Fraser, Columbia, Nicola and Cache Creek Valleys, also at Kodiak, Alaska. Salix glauca, var., villosa, Anders., in the Rocky Mountains between Lat. 52°—56°, on the summit of the Selkirks and in the northwestern localities of the province of B. C. The Herb-like Willow (Salix herbacea, Linn.), on the sum- mits of all the higher Rocky Mountains, from Canmore to the Selkirk Range. Salix lasiandra, Benth. var., typica, Bebb, in thickets at Cache Creek. Var., lancifolia, Bebb., along the banks of the 65 The West American Sctentist. Columbia, in the Selkirk Mountains, and in the valley of the Thompson at Spence’s Bridge in B. C. Also in tue valley of Fraser River and in the Island of Vancouver. Salix longifolia var., argyrophylla, Anders., at Clinton, B. C. and near Swift Current Creek, N. W. T. The Myrtle Willow (Salix myrtilloides, Linn.), is found on the seacoast of B. C., also in the valley of the Fraser and in Kotzebue Sound, Alaska. Salix nigra, Hook., very probably in the northern localities of the province, also in the valley of Maple Creek, N. W. T. Salix prolixa, Anders., found in the valley of Thompson River and around Victoria, B. C. Salix rostrata, Rich, commonly called Livia Willow abounds from the Rocky Mountains to the Coast Range. Salix reticulata, Linn, var. nivalis, in the Rocky and Selkirk Mountains, Salix reticulata being found in Alaska on the Islands and on the Coast. Salix Sitchensis, Sanson, abundant near Victoria, in the Fraser River Valley and in many places in Alaska, as Bartlett Bay, Sitka, source of the Youcon River, and Nushagan. Var. angus- tifolia, iscommon in northern British Columbia. Salix sessilifolia, Nuttall, in the valley of the Fraser. Salix speciosa, Hook. and Arn., on the highest summits of the Rocky Mountains, in Kotzebue Sound and in Nushagan, Alaska. Salix vestita, Pursh, found in profusion in all elevated localities in the Rocky and Selkirk Mountains. Of other willows which are found here and there in the Rocky Mountains, we may mention the following :— Salix cordata, Muhl., var. Mackenzieana, Hook., in the Rocky Mountains at Kicking Horse Lake. Salix humilis, Marshall, or the Prairie Willow, in dry localities of the South Kootanie Pass. The Long-leaved Willow (Salix longifolia, Muhl.), in the Rocky Mountains between the sources of the Fraser and Atha- basca rivers. The Shining Willow (Salix lucida Willd.), found in the same localities as the previous one. The threevarieties of Salix Novaeangliae, Anders. that is (1) var. pseudomyrsinites, Anders. (2), var. pseudo-cordata, Anders., and (3) var. myrtillifolia, Anders. are found in different places of the Rocky Mountains. Salix phlebophylla, Anders., on summit of North Kootanie Pass. The same willow is found in Ounalaska, on the Island of St. Lawrence and in Kotzebue Sound, Alaska. The willows which are to be found only in Alaska and partly in N. W. Territories, are as follows:— Salix arctica, R. Br. in Kotzebue Sound and Ounalaska. 2 Salix Barcleyi, Anders., in Ounalaska, Kodiak and Bartlett ay. The Willows of British Columbia and Alaska. 66 Salix chamissonis, Anders., on the Island of St. Lawrence. Salix fulcrata, var.. subglauca, Anders., in Nushagan, Alaska, and probably in N. W. T. Salix glauca, Linn., in the same places as previous one. Salix Hookeriana, Barratt., rare species, probably only be- ween Alaska and N. W. T. Salix ovalifolia, Trant, near Behring Strait and in other: locali- ties of Western Arctic America. Salix Pallasii, Anders., var. crassijulis in Nushagan, Ounalaska and Bartlett Bay. Var diplodyctya, Anders., on the island of St. Lawrence. Salix polaris, Wahl., in Wainwright Inlet, Alaska. Salix phyllicoides, Anders, in Avatsha Bay. M. Lopateckt. Za SPIDER S ONT, One evening, while reading, I saw a vicious-looking spider cross the table where I sat, and would have killed it at once, but for the delicate sensibilities of a friend, who prevailed upon me to spare its life. It was shortly out of sight, but a few minutes after again appeared on the table-cover, and having reached a spot near to one side, stopped, and remained perfectly motionless. I was curious as to its intentions. and so, apparently, was a fly, which walked over to his spidership to make an examination, preliminary, perhaps, to holding a post-mortem. During the close examination by the fly the spider showed no signs of life, until, becoming less apprehensive it got in front of his wicked- looking mandibles, when he made a frantic jump for it, but the inquisitive fly was too quick for him and flew off to contemplate its foe from a safer distance. By this time I knew the spider was on a hunting expedition and was endeavoring by a cunning stratagem to get a dinner. Finding his first artifice unsuccessful, the clever insect changed his tactics and began to chase full tilt after the flies, hoping to capture the more unwary ones. He ran with great speed to pounce upon a fly which was eating a crumb, but was again disappointed by the fly taking flight. Whether this predaceous spider finally succeeded in accomplishing his pur- pose I cannot say, for he soon raced across the table and down the other side and was seen no more. ALAMEDA, CALIF. FIR! Taylor: PUBLICATIONS RECETVLD: Fifth Annual Report of the State Agricultural Experiment Station, Amherst, Mass., 1887. Annual Report of the Canadian Institute, session 1886-87. The following papers, by Geo. F. Kunz, have been received from their author: Precious stones (from Appleton’s Physical Geography); Precious stones (abstracts from Mineral Resources 67 The West American Sctenttst. of the United States, 1885-86'; Waldon Ridge, Tennessee, me- teorite; Taney County, Missouri, meteorite; Hollow Quartz from Arizona; Chattanooga County, Georgia, meteorite; East Ten- nessee (?) meteorite; A North Carolina Diamond; Hydrophane from Colorado and silver nugget from Mexico; Powder Mill Creek meteorite; Rhodocrosite from Colorado; on the new arti. ficial rubies; two new meteorites from Carroll County, Kentucky, and Catorze, Mexico; Gold ornaments from United States of Columbia; Gold and silver ornaments from mounds of Florida; on a large garnet. Bulletin on the building stones of California. From the Uni- versity of California, Berkeley, 1888. Report of the condition of winter grain, the condition of farm animals, and on freight rates of transportation companies. April, 1888. U.S... Dept: Agric: The following papers, by Dr: R. W. Shufeldt, have been re- ceived frem their author: Osteology of Amia Calva; On an old portrait of Audubon, painted by himself, and a word about some of his early drawings; A review of the muscles used in the classi- fication of birds; Ona collection of birds’ sterna and skulls, col- lected by Dr. T. H. Streets; Notes on a few of the diseases and injuries of birds; Notes on visceral anatomy of certain Auks; Description of Hesperomys truei; On injury of the beak in birds, and the method of repair; The Veterinary Service of the U. S. Army; Arrow-release among the Navajos; Observations upon the habits of micropus melanoleucus, with critical notes on its plumage and external characters ; The number of bones at pres- ent known in the pectoral and pelvic limbs of birds; Anatomy of Geococcyx Californianus ; Additional notes upon the Anatomy of the Trochili, Caprimulgi and Cypselidae; Observations on the Pterylosis of certain Picidae; Contributions to science and biblio- graphical resumé of the writings of R. W. Shufeldt, 1881-1887. CENTENNIAL: OF (\ INCINNATIGAWNT) (THE CT IRA STALES, Antiquarians, historians and all students of Natural History will be especially interested in the great Centennial Exposition to be held at Cincinnati, Ohio, from July 4th to October 27th. Over 5,000,000 objects wil be displayed, covering about 600,000 square feet of space. Excursion rates on all the railroads. This event will be ever remembered in the history of the great north- west. . Collectors and correspondents of Warren K. Moorehead will be pleased to learn that his entire collection will be on exhibition in the ‘Pioneer and Historical Building,’ covering 500 square feet. Mr. Moorehead will attend it in person and will be pleased to meet and make the acquaintance of all interested in Archeology. Interest Allowed on Deposits. Money The Most Northern Station of Agave Shawit. o8 THE MOST, NORTHERN STATION OF AGAVE SHA WT. On a recent tramp in search of fossils, I found myself wander- ing along the ocean bluff on the west side of Point Loma, and, when about midway between the hotel at Ocean Beach and the light-house on the Point, I noticed a little way ahead what I cor- rectly surmised to be the flower stalks of the beautiful Agave Shawii, originally described from the plants found in the vicinity of the United States and Mexican boundary monument, a few miles south of San Diego. Only a half dozen stalks were found erect and the several hundred plants were confined to a strip along the bluff, some sixty feet above the water, not exceeding 300 feet in length. Probably this species will not be found further north, unless, possibly, it may occur near the Soledad pines, where I failed to observe it, however. It is now known to be abundant near the coast southward as far as San Quintin bay, Lower California, and has been reported equally abundant considerably further south. Ci RR. O7aage COLORS FOR NATURALISIS A Nomenclature of Colors for Naturalists, and Compendium of Useful Knowledge for Ornithologists. By ROBERT RIDGWAY, Curator, Department of Birds, United States National Museum. Ten Colored Plates and seven Plates of Outline Illustrations. S~wo. Cloth. $4.00. C. R. ORCUTT, San Diego, California. The Savings Bank. |Consolidated National Bank. OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY. For sale by In the Consolidated Bank Building, corner of H and CAPITAL PAID IN, = $250,000. Fifth streets. SURPLUS FUND, = «= 50,000. :.:OFFICERS:-! BRYANT HOWARD, =- - - at President. James M. Pierce, : tes tees President,| E. W. MORSE, - - - - Vice-President. Geo. A.Cowles, - - «, » Wiee-President, (JOAN GINTY, ~~» = s = - Cashier. John Ginty, - - Secretary and Treasurer, W. H. CLARKE, . . - Assistant Cashier. :- :DIRECTORS:- —DIRECTORS.—— 0.S. Witherby, H. Aatairy. E. W. Morse, | Hiram Mabury, O. S. Witherby, John Ginty, Geo. Reaves, James M. Pierce, E. W. Morse, James McCoy, James McCoy, Bryant Howard, S. Levi, Bryant Howard. oo. Loaned on Real Estate, and Europe bought and sold. foe Exchange on all the Principal Cities of America The West American Scientist. E. M HAIGHTS BARGAIN LIST Jie i gg ee i a af Es TEeRMs—Cash, with order, and if in any amount less than twenty-five cents, add four cents extra for package and return postage. Birds’ Eggs. Eggs are all perfect, one hole, side blown, and can be supplied either singly or in full sets with data. A. O. U. No. EGGS PRICE No. IN SET. PER EGG 12 ‘Tufted! Puiinics: 4. (oe. Pino 75 49. AVesternHGulllicnc). 4. te. Sieg 15 51a-American Herring Gull...3.... 15 58 Raanotane nll oom ety Cay Piheey 70, COMMMOT TET ni xis ss pr ase 80 ‘Black Skimmer,.* ..2..%. Ais de OO 120c Farallone Cormorant.....3.... 50 122 Brandt’s-Gormoranty< 914 2500125 123b Baird’s Cormorant....... a ae t99. Lotisiana Heron... 27% One ee Oe 201 oAGYECI, Aa ChOM aac care mace Ae bes 221 ) ‘Americar Coot.) 2” oy nee Os 316 Moéuminge Doves fi: ai ee 378 Burrowing Owl..... Sli, Vox. 25 385 Koad Runner: .<406 6 Giabn As. See ph 413 - Ked Snatted, Picker. 56.55. 405 AAA: oder sf oe Sraceeege cee Ae se A4e (Cassiiys KimMepitds:.. 345.222 ,- 20 A495 | Cowbigds2a<) 92..Fe 7s et) aoe 498 Red-winged Blackbird...4.... 02 508 Bullock’s Ortole ates... 08 510 Brewer’s Blackbird ....4 5.... 04 51ga Crimson House Finch..4 5.... 04 581 Song Sparrow. ...... AS Gas 2 591b California Towhee....... Aocsery O5 593 - Cardinal-Grosbeak «.~ 25. ae roe 622a White-rumped Shrike..4 5.... 04 4703. MOCKING DUG. .2nie sa ee A os | GOR 704 Catbiftl cache =p enpetaseS An, et PO 773. Caciis SV Gentes. casas 4s) .s. GG 721a Parkman’s Wren.. «5°78 O4 Curiosities PRICE. Alligat0t Veet h nus. yam ocaceenemnnee 05 Hutslo Teeei. <\oge Salina es me Bird Wings (3 var. mamed).- 2.2272. 05 Crazy Weed Pods ;.|. ibs Dabaes 3 for 05 Cactus Wood, (curious) con... 05 to 25 Sycamore Tree Balls. = spans 3 for 05 California Ground Squirrel Tails.... 10 Chinese Clropstickss4i #245 per pair 08 vi Gante-C ars. te cee eee 2 for 05 Slow Matches 277) cnesce: ae 5 re Game Stopes .3. sere 2 for 05 Chinese Coins (very old). ...... each 05 Chilacothe Bean Pods (large and CUIZOUS) «,.a7cori 4 Od son cee 25 Coral (small white branching)...... 05 Cal. Live Oak Tree Acorns...... 3 for 05 4 bor a . 05 to Io Ais See ee sf) Horned Goads (stuffed) ..:....0..3 2: 50 Indian Bread Moss..... per package 05 Indian Arrow Heads (imperfect)... 05 Japanese Paper Napkins....... 2 for 05 Liver BéGais.’. <> cece = tent oe 05 to 10 Money Cowry- Shells»... .2..25 sv 2 for 05 Pampas Grass Plumes, 15c. each, 2 for 25¢..! 5, for 50e.,, 12 4iot ee Porcupine Oils: ss) incem per doz. 05 Petrified Wood (very fine) ....05 to I 00 Sand Tubes? 7). 2y2 Bo. ae 05 Skates Megs 0. iat A at.as epee 05 Sharks: Egps sta. las i ae eee 15 Sea: Urchis, (Pacific). ). bai gene 5 to 10 California Sea Shells. Aemae Personalssidvs. 2. ae aces 03 Chiorostema.Funebtale.:sc 4 ee 03 Fisswella, Volcano..+ -s...cisieaaes sia Holiotts Cracherogdi; oy wiesam 05 to I 00 lottia Gicantea, . << w nics ac a 05 Minerals. AGIVAMILE | - --ssa0ais-s ee 00a e@5 to’ 50 CANCE 1 a ae aa eee 05 to I 00 Cassiterite (Tin Ore).: .. ..-:.- 05 to I 00 Duieetaites!, 5. ey Sb Peck Fotos 05 to I 00 Epidetes iret hes fac tees hae o05to 75 Garnet (A lutate) G25752 one eee 05 to I oo Tec se et. 4 SE eee 05 to I 00 Petrified Wood (very fine) ....05 to I 50 Vermaculite (or quartz).....- .05 to I 00 U.S. Copper Cents. 1803 Head. to Rightep -nae-npe\-ace ee | eS 1817 Head to Left; 13 Stars. +. .avee 10 ESi8 5, N. . . une 1 eit ee ee 08 POLG, EE SD reek ain ete Se 10 ys2o Unciredlated: 2. ac25.-. Le ee 4o 1821 Head to Left... .:i vee aeenee 30 aor ge Bae be een ee ere) 30 TODS eee ae ee ee 20 $807 7 UA ME ee Aa a Lie 1628 PU ME OR EBs 20 TB ee VERE NEE ON LPP, Sots toate 10 1832 ““' VP erthe (ci Reet aie IO ae ee ee 10 TO ee coe ie te nr 05 7825 Head 1834->~..-. 4--) = eee 10 1837 Plain, Hair String............ 8 1978 52% «sew > nds oon seaee tn 08 ae ee eee Pe ee io gia two ae 08 Tre52 Head to Welt. > wna coe 05 1868 Bronze, Indian Head.......... 08 1880 “ < fe See 05 Any of the foregoing price-list sent post-paid on receipt of two cents for each, Birds’ Eggs, Minerals, Shells‘ Curiosities. Fifty cents worth of specimens free trom this list to every new subscriber to THE WEST AMER- ICAN SCIENTIST, who sends $1.00 to E. M. Haight, Riverside, Cal. The West American Scientist. American and Foreign Land Shell Helix. $ ..absolena, Boure’. .15..acenpsia, Bourg. ..acies, Part. .05..acuta, L. ..adolphi, Pfr. .15..alabastrites, Mull. .LO..albolabris, Say. .15..algirus, L. .05. .alternata, Say .25..amanda, Morel. .15..aperta, Born. .10..apicina, Lam. .10O. appressa, Say. .25..arangiana, Say. .05..arborea, Say. 15. arbustorum, L. ..argia, Bourg. .25..arcolata, Fbs. ..arradica, Parr. .20..arrosa, Gld. .15..aspersa, Mull. .20.,.asteriscus, Morse. ..atlasiae, Mousson. .25..aureolenta, Beech. ..auricoma, Parr. .10..austriana, Ofan. .10 .var. expallesseus. 1.00. .ayresiana, Newe. -10..barbarea, L. .var, —— 15. . bermudensis, Pfr. 75. . bipartita, Fer. 1.00..bridge:ii, Newc. .25. -bucculenta, Gid, .15..californiensis, Lea. ..calendyma, Boury. 7aVad 6, .10..candicans, Ziegl. .LO..cardidissima, Drap. .05..cantiana, Montague. .05..caperata, Montague. -10..cariosula, Bourg. 1.00..carpenteri, Newc. .10..carpenteriana, Bland. .05..carthusiana, Mull. .05..cellaria, Mull. ..certiculus, Gund. 05. .cespitum, "Drap. .10..clausa, Say. _.claustralis, Ziegl, 5 . .cicatricosa, Mull, 2.00..circumcarinata Stearns. .05..ciliata, Ofan. .35..citrina, L. O..var. —— .50..var. —— -20..cobresiana, Fer. '.15..coluinbiana, Lea. -O5..co.ucava, Say. "05: -concinna, Jeffreys. -15 conoidea, Drap. -20. .conspecta, Bland. -.constantinae, Bourg. . cooperi. . cornea, .10..costata, Mull. ..cretica, Fer. .10..crystallinus, Mull. . .cumberlandiana, Lea. ..cunninghami, Gray. 25. -dupeti houarsi, Desh. ..dentifera, Say. 15. ‘denudata, Rossm. . depressula, Parr, _.desertella, Zick. > ..desertorum, Fors. ..devia, Gld. ..edvardsi, Bland. ..ehrenbergi, ..var. chilenbia, Bourg. ..electrina, Gld. . elevata, Say. ..evicetorum, Mull. ..euphorca, Bourg. var. . .eustilbus, ..exarata, ..exoleta, Binn. . explanata, Mull. . facta, Newe. . faleoneri, Rve. fallax, Say. . faustina, Ziegl]. . .fidelis, Gray. ..fleurati, Bourg. ..friabilis, W. G. Binn. ..fulginosa, Griffith. ..fulva, Drap. ..gaberti, Lesson. . globularis, Ziegl. ..godeffroyana, Garr. ..guamensis, Gay. . gularis, Say. ..-haemastoma, L. . heripensis, Mab. . hopetonensis, Shuttl. ..hortensis, Mull. . Var. —— ..hoyti, Garret. .-hieroglyphicula, Bourg. Pine Michaud, . hirsuta, Say. . hispida, LL. .-inflecta, Say. ..infumata, Gld. ..imperator, Mont. .-inornata, Say.. .05..interna, Say. .10..intersecta. .10..jejuna, Say. ..josephinae, Fer. .15..kellettii, Fbs. .05..labyrinthica, Say. .. laevigata, Pfr. .25 laevis, Pfr. (sub-fos- sil) .25..lais. .50..var, —— .25..lanta, Lowe, .25..var. —— .05. .Japicida, L. ..launcestonensis, Rve. ..lefeburiana, Fer. . levis, Pfr. ..ligera, Say. ..lineata, Say. . lineata, — — ..locheana, Bourg. ..lombei, Pfr. .-loricata, Gld. ..Macgregori, Cox. .-mandarina, Fer. .-Marginata, Mull. -maritina, Drap. .melanostoma, Drap. . metaformis. .-millerii, Pfr. .-Minuscula, Say. .-mirabilis, Fer. .-mitchelliana, Lea. ..monodon, RacKett. .. var, leaii. ..mozambicensis, Pfr. ..Multidentata, Binn. .05..multilineata, Say. .10..muscarum, Lea. .15..var. —— .20..nemoralina, Petit. .10..nemoralis, L. 1.00. .nickliniana, Lea. .20..nigritella, Pfr. .00..newberryana, Binn. .0O5..nitida, Mull. .10..nitidula, Dyr. . Nivosa, Sby. .00..novaehibernica, Quay. ..nucula, Parr. .. obstricta, Say. ..obvoluta, Mull. ..palliata, Say. .-paludora, Pfr. ..parraiana, Orb. pellita, Fer. ..perphysia, Pfr. ..personata, Lam. ..perspectiva, Say. ..philammia. Bourg. .15..physalis, Pfr. .20..picta, Barn. .05..pisava, Mull. .15..planospiia, Rossm. ..plebeia. .10..polygyra, Say. .20..pomatia, sD ..poupiilieri, Bourg, ..proboscidea, Pfr. .15..profunda, Say. .20..provisoria, bfr. ..psammita, Bourg. .20..psara, Bourg. ..puella. .05..pulchella, Mull. .10..pustula, Fer. .10..cereolus, Muhlf. ..rufocincta, Parr. .20..pyramidata, Drap. .20..var, —— .25. ramentosa, Gld. .25..rariguttata, Moussam. ..roemeri. .05..rotun lata, Mull. .05..rufescens, Pennant. ..rufvapicata, Parr .10..rugeli, Shuttl. .Q5..rupestris, Drap. .15..sasulosa, Hazay. .sayli, Binn. .10. septemvolva, Say . sequoicola, .10..serpentina, Fer. ..soconensis, Pfr. .10..solitaria, Say. .25..spinosa, Lea. .05..splendida, Drap. . Sportella. .15..stearnsiana, Gabb. .50..var. .05..ste: otrema, Fer. .05..strigella, Drap. .05. “striatella, Anthony. .-Squlus, Hils. 10..syriaca, Ehrenb. .20..traskii, Newe. ..var. depressa. . terrestris, Chem. . .terverii. .texasiana, Mor. . thayxix, Bonrg. .05..thyroides, Say. .25..townsendiana, Lea. .10..tridentata, Say. .._pennsylvanica, Green. .trigona, Z eg. 10. -trochiformis, Fer. .25..troilus, Gld. 15, .troostiana Lea. .15..troschelli, Pfr, .25,.tudiculata, Binn, .tucanensis, Pfr. ..umbrosa, Part. Ba Way -uvulifera, Shuttl. 20%. var ——7 .20..vancouverensis, Lea, -05.. variabilis, Trist. .15..varians, Mke. 20: “var. —— 20 caMars = .15..vermiculata, Drap, .25..verticillus, Fer. .10..virgata, DaCosta. viridula, Mke. 25. .vittatta, Mull. .05. yolvois, Parr. 25. .zonaria, L. f ps9 Stenogyra. -10..gutierr.ri, Arango, .10..junceus, Gld. -10..octona, Chem. sO; .octonoides, Ad. Succinea. .05..campestris, Say. .10..elegans, Risso, .15..haydeni, W. G. B, .20. . higginsii. -10..luteola, Uld. 05. -obliqua, Say. LO) -ochracea, Betta. kO: -oregonensis, Lea. 15. -pleuraulaca, Let.. .05..putris, L. Vitrina. .25..latissima. .05..limpida,. Say. .10..pellucida, Mull. .00. .thomsoni, Brazier, Mogalomaitima, ..apertum, Payr. -Mani, Payr. "Trockintedlas .25..regina, Mer. .20..var —— .25 -25..subunguiculata, Payr, Helicina. .25,.acuminata, Velr-. .25..blandiana, Gundl. .-columellaris, Gundl. .. lucida, .-Mmestrei, Arango. ..-Musiva, Gld. .. nuda, Arango. .-occulta, Tryon. . orbiculata, Say. ..-pugulata, Poey. .-remota, Poey. ..sagraiana, Orb. .-tectiformis, Mons. ..uberta, Gld. Achatina. . acicula, Mull. ..fasciata, Mull. Achatinella. .15..abbreviata, Rve. The West American Scientist. .05..viridans, Migh. Cylindrella. .20..angustior, Wr. .20..atropurpurea, Arango .10..elegans, Pfr. .15..fastigiata, Gundl. .60..hidalgoi, Arango, (types) .50.. var.-—— -25..incerta, Arango. -25..integra, Pfr. -25..lateralis, Par. .25..shuttleworthiana, Say .25..vignalensis, Wr. Agriolimax. -15..laevis, Mull. Prophysaon. --hemphilli, Binn. & Bland. Hemphillia. . glandulosa, Binn. & Bland. Ariolimax. .-columbianus, Gld. Cyclostoma,. .05..dentatuia, Say. -2U..dysoni, Pfr. 05. -elegans, Mall. ..citrina. Mich, ..lo:ata, Fer, .. nubulosa, Migh. . rufa. Newe, ..spirizona, Fer. ..swiftii, . tessellata, ..tristis, News. Newe. Fer. ..turritella, Fer. ..inca, D’Orb. --Mamillaris, Pink. ..occlusus, Morch. .. Olivieri. .. punctatum. .-Santa cruzensis. ..su'catum, Drap. Partula. . -affinis, Pse. --auriculata, Brod. .- bilineata, Pse. . .bittata, Pse. : _crassilabris, Pse. . dubia, Garrett. - elongata, Pse. ..faba, Martyn. ..Vvar, —— . formosa, Pse. 5..gibba, Fer. --guamensis, Pfr. . hebe, Pfr. .. Var, bella. 5 -huabinensig, .- hyalina, Brod. .-imperforata, Pse. . -lineolata, Pse. Garrett. will be included; ae the duplicate series there are over 4000 Specimens. 05. ..lirata, Pse. ..mastersii, Pfr. .-nucleola, Pse. ..otaneitana, Brug. ..planilabrum, Pse. . radiata, Pse. ..rosea, Brod. ..Var, —— . rustica, Pse. . Sinistrorsa, Pse. ..Subangulata, Pse. . thalia, Garrett. ..varia, Brod. ..Virginea, Pse. Bulimus. ..acutus, Mull. ..albus, Sby. ..arrosus, ..bivarico us, Gask. DD 1.00. Brod. broderipi, Sby. -chilensis, Sby ..conspersus, Sby. ..corneus, Sby. ..coturnix, Sby. ..coquimbensis, Brod. ..crenulatus, Pfr. ..decollatus, L. ..derelictus, Prod. .. detritus, Mull. ,.dufresni, Leach. ..eburneus, Pfr. .-elegans, Pfr. . .elobatus. ..erythrostoma, Sby. ..fulguratus, Jay. .. guadaloupensis, Brug. ..hoconensis, Sby. .-klamereri. .. koroensis, Garrett. .-laevis, Mull, .. Var,—— -lubricus, Mull. ..metaformis, Fer. ..var, banda. .. miltocheilus, Rve. . mindoroensis, Brod. ..montanus, Drap. ..mooreanus, ..morosus, Gld. . obscurus, L. ..pachychilus, Pfr. ..pallidior, Sby. .. piperatus, Sby. ..pithogaster, Fer. .. pupa, L. ..pupaeformis, Brod. ..rhodacme, Pfr. . .rosaceus, . seemani, Dohor. . Shotellerii, Bourg. ..suffilatus, Gld. 5..tournefortianus, Fer. ..undatus, Fer. ..var,—— .. Variegatus, f Pele ig a Binn. King. Pir: Pup Ae . alvearea, var. ..armifera, Say. ..avenace, Brug. .. brondeli, Broug. ..californiensis, Rowell. ...chordata, Pfr. (No. 1823). ..contracta, Say. ..edentula, Drap. . fallax. .frumentum, Conti. .. hordeacea, Gabb. ..incana, Say, tme. . -Var.—- .-lostoma, Pfr. .-marginata, Drap. ..marginata, Sav. ..marmorata, Pfr. ..mumia, Brug. ..muscorum, L. . ovata, Say. ..quadridens, Drap. . .rowe'lii, Newe. . .sagraiana, Pfr. ..secale, Drap. ..Striatella, Fer. .. tenuilabris, Gundl. ..umbilicata, Drap. a Truncatella. . californica. . caribbea, Sby. ..costulata, Risso. ..laurantia, var. Fiji. . laevigata, Risso. .. bilabiata. Pfr. ..montagui, Lowe. ..pulchella, Pfr. ..stimpsonii, Stearns. ..subcylindrica, Gray, . vitiana, Gld. Carychium. ° exigurem. minimum, Mull. Orthalicus. ..undatus, Brug. Pseudotrochus. ..virgineus, L. Chondropoma. _ uboguttulata, ..dentata, Sav. . dilatatum, Gundl. .. blaini, Gundl. . egrezium, Gundl. ..gundlachi, Arango. ..latilabre, Orb. ..moestru'n, Shuttl. ..obesum, Mke. .sagebieni, Payr. shuttleworthi, Pies ..sordidum, Gund. ..tryoni, Arango. Clausilia. ner. Wag- 10..binotata, Zieg1. .10..biplicata, Ofan. 50..bidens, Tarton, (types) . 10. caerulea, Fer 15..crassicosta, Benoit. 05..exarata, Ziegl. . gibba, Ziegl. ..kutschigri, Kust, ..laminata, Montagu, ..latilabris, Wagner, . nigricans, Fult. ..punica, Bourg. . rugo-a, Drap. .. ventricosa, Drap. Tudora. ..fecundum, C. B, Ad. Punctum., .. pygmaeun. Ferussacia. ..amauronix, Bourg. ..carnea, Bourg. Cistula,. ..illustris, Say. Pitys. 2 1.00..fratercula, Pse. Binneya. 1.60..notabiiis, Cooper. Ammonitella. 1.00..yatesii, Cp. Cleopatra. ..bulimoides, Jickeli. Glandina. .15..truncata, Say. Liguus. . fasciatus, Mull. Cyclotus. 30..—— Blandiella. ..filicosta, Gundl. Proserpina. .10..depressa, Orb. Pupina. ..meridionalis, Pfr. Omphalctropis. .20..ochrostoma, se. Ctenopoma. ..garridianum, Gundl, bilabi: atum, Orb. : Diadema. .. parva, Pse. ..scalariformis, Pse. Valonia. . minuta. Meadia. ..dissumulans, Payr, Cionella. .05..lubdrica, Leach. | .05..subeylindrica L. Macroceramis. .20..dallianns, 'Jand. HE above fine collection of American and Foreign Land Shells, containing over 500 species and varieties, and representing forty-six genera (exclusive of Macrocyclis, Zonites, etc., included under Helix) is offeree for $300 cash. Over 2000 specimens Prices are given for single specimens in good condition from the duplicate series, prices including postage. for Books or other shells are desired in exchange for marine shells. cash. The above only C. R. ORCUTT, San Diego, California, U. S. A. The West American Scientist. | fh. B. TRovsror & Co, 387 AND 39 COLLEGE AVENUE, 0 er Se ie ee Sa a ns fe ARE HEADQUARTERS FOR Siaesite eke eee ere) | Crees) aes Om ONeill We recently purchased Frank H. Lattin’s entire stock, which, with our previous large stock and late purchases, places us in a position to fill orders promptly and satisfactorily. Try us. List free. SSN ego pis = eo) ee NSE Spe Sab eraca le Our cork is the best and cheapest in the market. Our pins have no su- periors as to quality, and no competitors as to price, quality considered Our setting boards are equal to the best and cheap as the cheapest. GUA SII Se Se) Sepa eae assis Glass eyes, tools, poisons, stuffing materials, embalming chemicals, etc., etc. List free. Ooo] Lea GOODS. Drills of all kinds, Blow-pipes, Callipers and Calliper Rules, Embryo Hooks, Pencils, etec., ete. We have the following first-class eggs for sale, cither single or in sets. Many of them we have in quantities. Thire are a few varietics, however, that we only have a few of. While we always strive to fill all orders in full, we would ask that you specify several ‘‘extras’’ to allow for possible ‘‘outs’, All specimens post paid at prices mentioned. N. A. BIRD EGGS.—Ridgeway’s Nomenclature. 1, 10c; 4a, 45c; 11, 10c; 12, 3; 13, 4; 22, 3c; 49, 25c; 56, 25c; 60, 25c; 63, 5c; 67, 5c; 88c, 30; 93. 5c; 122, 20c; 123, 10c; 135, 15c; 145, 25e; 149, 25e; 149a, 20c; 152, 20c; 153. 5c; 154, 5c; 157, 5c; 161, 25c; 164, 25; 170a, 8c; 181, 6c; 182, 20; 183, 20; 197, 6c; 198, 20c; 198a, 55c; 202, 35c; 204, 12c; 204a, 20c; 207, 70c; 211, 3c; 211la, 20c; 217, 30c; 231, 3c; 231, 10c; 237, 20c; 238a, 30c; 240b, 20c; 242, 9c; 244, [8c; 248, 12c; 251, 20c; 254, 12c; 258, 5c; 258a, 45c; 260, 10c; 261, 3c; 261a, 10c; 262, 18c; 264, 15c; 270, 10c; 272, 20c; 274, 10c; 275, 55c; 277, 18c; 278. 7c; 278b, 7c; 232, 8c; 286, 45c; 289, 5c; 301, 18c; 312, 15c; 324, 28c; 358, 70c; 361, 23c; 372, 28; 378, 5c; 378b, 15c; 387, 18c; 395, 60c; 402, 48c; 439a, $1.20; 455, $1.00; 460, 7c; 470a, $1.00; 480, 1le; 480b, 20c; 482, 15c; 490, 18c; 492, 18c; 494, 10c; 495, 15c; 496, 45c; 522, 35c; 555, 35c; 569, 20c; 571, lic; 573, 45c; 574, 13¢; 578, 95¢e; 579, 15c; 580, 13c; 585, 95c; 606, 10c; 640, 95e; 643 35c; 6438a, 30e; 645, 85c; 650, 30c; 656, 20c; 658, 65c; 663, 75c; 668, 60c; 669, 80c; 688, 18c; 690, 10c, 723, 25c; 735, 15c; 743, 35; 763, 25; 763a, 35c; 325a, 28ce. We will «xchange for any variety in any quantity at half our list rates. For ¢ggs not in our collection we will allow full rates. Send for list of specimens we desire. SPECIAL NOTICE. All parties ordering goods from any of our supply lists, amounting to $2.00, will receive THe West AMERICAN SCIENTIST, free, for one year, per special arrangement with it’s publisher, C. R. Orcutt. All ordering eggs or curiosities, from any of our lists, amounting to $1.25, will receive ‘I'aE Wrst AMERICAN Screnris?, free, for one year. Send stamps for amounts of $1.00 or less, over $1.00 Postal Not:, Ex- press Order, P. O. Money Order or Draft. Order now while we have a big stock to selcct from and get the best. The West American Scientist. NOTHING SUCCEEDS LIKE SUCCESS.” (Editorial from the Cosmopolitan, Decembe;, 1882.) Before those famous taxidermists and hunters, the Verraux Freres, established themselves in Paris, natural history museums were compelled to rely upon picking up their specimens in all parts of the world. The keen intelligence of the Verraux Bros. was not long in discovering a ineans of serving the cause of science and of advancing their own fortunes atthe same time. They established a sort of clearing-house for wild beasts, birds, fishes, and reptiles, with branches in every quarter of the globe, and from whom you could order a stuffed elephant, giraffe, a Ben- gal tiger as you would flitch a bacon from your butcher, or a boiled lob- ster from the fish-monger. While the Verraux Freres were gaining a world-wide reputation, an American lad, William HH. Winkley by name, was pursuing his studies at the famous technical schools of the French capital, and, when his means were all but exhausted, he left his lodgings in the Latin quarter and apprenticed himself under these famous masters. After serving a long and laborious apprenticeship in the study of animal forms, anatomy, and drawing, he considered himself sufficiently equipped for the practical work of his vocation Returning to America, and selecting a small in- terior town where rents and living expenses were light, he set up anes- tablishment of his own, as large as his limited means would allow. To-day, he supplies the largest museums of the world with stuffed specimens from the elephant down to the smallest rodent, besides lar. e quantities of minerals, rocks, fossils, casts of fossils, skins, and skeletons (unmounted) of animals of all classes, and often the wild animals them- selves, alcoholic specimens, insects, crustaceans, shells, echmoderms, corals, sponges, and botanical specimens, from every quarter of the globe and in a great variety of form and price. Also anatomical preparations, chemical, philosophical and optical instruments, with Naturalists’ sup- plies of every description, and, the Verraux Freres being now dead, he has established, as they did, stations upon every continent for the col- lection of natural history specimens. The attaches of all the stations are over 100 in number, many of whom are specialists. At his American headquarters at Clearfield, Iowa, there are not far from I00,e00 specimens of all classes. Besides mounting the skins sent in by his own collectors, this eminently successful taxidermist takes cus- tom work in his department from those desiring the same, and many hundreds of persons and museums throughout the civilized world are constantly sending him mammal and bird skins and skeletons for restor- ation. Especially is this true of those scientific persons and wealthy in- dividuals, who, while abroad, have shown prowess in the hunt. But it is not alone in taxidermy that this cosmopolitan naturalist has won an unrivalled reputation. Years ago he devised a plan whereby even those of moderate means could possess a good cabinet. This, the installment plan has from the start been a success, ..nd in hundreds upon hundreds of cases has proven itself an inestimable boon to those of moderate means who desire a good collection. Many of the best col- lections in this country have been obtained entirely upon this plan and students, professional men, schools and colleges have all expressed themselves perfectly satisfied with its workings in their respective cases. Prof. Winkley is stiictly honest and reliable, and ifany of our readers want anything in his line (see advertisement elsewhere,) we would re- commend them to write to him. This unsolicited editorial was written more than seven years ago. In the interim we have grown considerably, and to-day stand at the head of the museum furnishing busi- ness in the world. We are the only house outside of Paris, that sells collections on In- stallments. Do you want to secure a good collection on easy terms? Ifso, write to us. W. H. WINKLEY, Clearfield, lowa. 42 Persons having private collections that they wish to dispose of, would do well to send lists to us. : : a The West American Sctentist. yoserh G'LOTT 9 Steel Pew: FOR ARTISTIC USE in fine drawing, Nos. 659 (Crowquill), 290 and aor. FOR FINE WRITING, Nos. 303 and Ladies’, 170. FOR BROAD WRITING, Nos. 294, 389 and Stub Point, 849. FOR GENERAL WRITING, Nos. 332, 404, 390 and 604. Joseph Gillott & Sons, 91 John St. N.Y, HENRY HOE, Sore AGENT, Sold by ALL DEALERS throughout the World. Gold Medal Paris Exposition, 1878. TO ADVERTISERS! For a check for $20 we will printa ten-line avers tisement in One Million issues of leading Ameri- can Newspapersand complete the work within ten days. Thisis at therate of only one-fifth of acent aline, for 1,000 Circulation! The advertisement will appear in but a single issue of any paper, and consequently will be placed before One Million different new Eparer purchasers; or FIVE MILLION READERS, if it is true, as is sometimes stated, that every newspa eris looked at by five persons on anaverage. Ten lines will accommodate about 75 words. Address with copy of ay and check, or send 30 cents for Book of 256 pag GEO. P. ROWELL & CO.. 10 (0SPRUCE Sr., New YorE. We have just issued re new edition of our Book called ‘‘ Newspaper Advertising.” It has 256 pa es, and among its contents may be named the yn owing Lists and Catalogues of Newspapers:— AILY NEWSPAPERS IN NEW YORK CITY, wih their Advertising Rates DAILY NEWSPAPERS IN CITIES HAVING more than 150,000 population, omitting all but the best. DAILY NEWSPAPERSIN CITIES HAVING more — a 000 eee ulation, omitting all but the best. IST OF NEWSPAPERS IN which to edconee every section of the country: Ess i choice selection made up with great care, guided by 3 Se ONE PAPERIN A STATE. ‘the best one for an advertiser to use if he will use but one. BARGAINS IN ADVERTISING IN DAILY News- papers in many principal cities and towns, a List og offers peculiar inducements to some adver- tiser: LARGEST CIRCULATIONS. A complete list of all oo papers issuing regularly more than “ie ase co oe HE BEST LISTOF LOCAL NEWSPAPERS, Cov: oe every town of over 5,000 population and every important county seat. SELECT LIST or LOCAL NEWSFAPERS, in which /é advertisements’ are insert-f= ed at half pric ; 5,472 V. PAPERS, in which adver- tisementsare inserted for = .15 a line and appearin he whole lot—one-half of at allthe American Weeklies Book sent to any address for THIRT Y CENTS. A. WENTSCHER, GENERAL COMMISSION FORWARDING AND SHIPPING. San Diego, Cal. NUGHLY Rewarded are those who read this and then act; they will find honorable em- ployment that will not take them from their homes and families. The profits are large and sure for every industrious per-on, many have made and are now making several huudred doi- lars a month, It is easy for any one to make $5 and upwards per day, whois willing to work. Either sex, young or old; capital not needed ; we start you. Everything new. No special ability required; you, reader, can do it as well asany one. Write to us at once for full particulars, which we mail free. Ad- dress Stinson & Co., Portland, Maine, 32.44, Sea Wonders exist in thousands of forms, but are surpas: ed by the marvels of invention. Those who are in need of profitable work - that can be done while livi ing at home, should at once send their address to Hallet. & Co.. Portland, Maine, and receive free, full information how either Sex, of all ages, can earn from $5 to $25 per day and upwards wherever they live. You are started free. Capital not required. Some have made over $50 in a Single day at this work. Ali succeed. 32.44, has revolutionized the world during VENT ON the last ha'f century. Not least among the wonders of inventive progress is a method and system of work that can be performed all over the country with- out separating the workers from their homes. Pay liberal; any one can do the work; either sex, young or old ; no special ability required. Capital not need- ed you are started free Cut this out and return to us and we will send you free, something of great value and importance to you, that will start you in business, which will bring you in more money right away, than anything else in the world. Grand outpt free. Ad- dress TRUE & Co., Augusta, Maine. 32.44, — JOB OFFICE AND SCHOOL FOR: — Short- Hand and Type - Writing. Letters a'd Legal Matte: taken from dictation neatly and quickly, ana all sorts of job work done cheaply at Room 9, M. E. Church Block, Miss WM. F. PERIN. The Cheapest Illustrated Literary Magazine Published, THE BUDGET. ‘Devoted to Mental and Moral Culture and the Entertainment of its Readers. Handsomely Printed and Bound and Edges Cut. Amply Illustrated with Fire Engravings. The World’s Condensed Cyclopedia as Prem'0m, Subscription, $1.25 per year 4 in advance, Premium postpaid On receipt of $2.00 we will send THE BUDGET one year, the Premium Book, and 52 Popular Works, including Standard Nov- els, Poetry, Historv, etc. Send for De- seriptive Lists of Premiums and Popular Books mentioned. Address, Loe, BUDGET, Marysville, Cal. fee Advertising Rates Reasonable and Made Known on Application The West American Scientist. the Ornithologist and Oologist. ESTABLISHED 1875 Now in its THIRTEENTH YEAR as a maga- zine of Ornithology and Oology. The old- est journal in that especial field of science, and fully exemplifies that adage, ‘‘ THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.”’ PUBLISHED FOR THE Bristol Ornithological Club As a monthly magazine of value to students of Bird Life. Under the editorial manage- ment of Frederic H. Carpenter. Send 10 cents for a sample copy. None Free. Subscription $1.00 per year. ORNITHOLOGIST AND OOLOGIST, 409 Washington St, BOSTON, MASS. = SS Aes = Se oe Oe MORRIS, - - - ILLINOIS. HEADQUARTERS FOR Mazan Creek Fossils. Finest in the world, Choice collections from $1 to $100. Samples, by mail, of Fossil Fern, cte., 25 cents. Hor SO Cents We will send you for one year —lrata— COuchologists * Exchange, The Only Shell Paper in America, 16 Pages Monthly, and full of the Latest and Best Shell News. And the following Handsome Premiums: A neat bex of Choice Land Shells, Fresh-Water Shells, or Marine Shells, or Berlin H. Wright’s New Check List of North American Fresh Water Bivalves, or D. D. Baldwin’s Land Shells of Hawaii. Don’t wait, but send 50 cts. NOW to WM. D. AVERELL, PUBLISHER, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. The Botanical Gazette. carefully edited journal, covering the — whole field of botany, and especially com- — plete in all that pertains to the growth of | science in America. 4 There are articles and items of interest for all classes of botanists—the profes- sional, the amateur, and plant lover. The volume for 1887 (twelfth) contained 308 pages, 17 plates and 17 cuts in the text. r A series of illustrated articles on Euro-— pean laboratories is being specially pre — pared to appear during 1888. a §2.00 a Year. Address the Editors and Publishers: JOHN M. COULTER, Crawfordsville, Ind CHARLES R. BARNES, Madison, Wis. J. CG. ARTHUR, La Fayette, Init. J] BARN SHORT-HAND REPORTING. Thorough Instruction by Mail. Terms Reasonable, Success Certain. Address, T. S. PR:iCE, SHort-Hanp Reporter, Box 382, Marysville, Cal. a2 WriTE FoR TERMS. By THE MUSEUM. N illustrated magazine for Young Naturalists and Collectors, containing articles by eminent Scien- tists. 25 sets (consisting of the only four numbers — published) still on hand. These will be sold for 40 _ cents per set; original price 15 cents per number. Address E. A. BARBER, Box 2118, West Chester, Penn’a. © CHANCES TO SWAP. Notices inserted under this head for five cents — per line for each insertion; fifty cents per lines charged by the year. Only notices accepted. F What have you to exchange for a rem- edy that will cure Catarrh and Hayfever? — Address, Mrs. E. E. YATES, x Sharo:, Wis. | Books wanted by the editor. The West American Scientist. i i in nn The West American Scientist. ®-<2.ESTABLISHED 1884..o+9 CHARLES RUSSELL ORGUTT, Editor, -~- - San Diego, Galifornia. - Associate Editors :—Prof. Josiah Keep, Mills College, Cal.; &. B. Trouslot, Valparaiso, Ind.; 5 Wm. E. Loy, 423 Clay St., San Francisco, Cal. THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. An illustrated monthly magazine, devoted to the recording of original investigations and thought and the popularizing of the natural sciences. Ta SVBSCRIBERS. The price is $1 a year, when paid in advance; $1.25, if not so paid. Ten dollars paid at any one time entitles the subscriber to a copy for life, or so long as the magazine may be published. Subscription price for Great Britain, five shillings. Back numbers, with a few exceptions, can be ob- tained at 10 cents each. Remit by express or Post Office money orders, pay- able to C. R. Oncor. Subscription and Advertising Agents: E. M. Hateut, Riverside, California. R B.Trovustor & Co., Valparaiso, Indiana. W. P. Coxnins, 157 Gt. Portland St., London, England. Address rb WEST. AMERICAN: SCIEN TIS®. San Diego, California, DAN DIEGO LAND st TOTP COMPANY This Company offers for sale in tracts to suit purchasers 50,000 Acres of the Choicest Fruit Lands ou the Continent. In 20 and 40 Acre Tracts, Also near National City, on Motor Street Railway line, 5-acre tracts for HomeEs, with ample supply of pure, cheap soft water, Business and Residence Property in San Diego and National City, These lands lie adjacent to the Bay of San Diego, Convenient to l'owns, Markets, Schools, Churches and Railroad facilities, _ For profitable and successful culture of Oranges, Leinons, Apples, Grapes, Pears, Peaches, Apricots, Olives, and an en less variety of other fruits, besides Gardening, General Farming, Raisin, Wine and Grape Growing, these lands offer advantages not found elsewhere, and will be sold to Actual Settlers at Low Prices and on Kasy Terms, The Company also effers for sale Lots and Blocks in National City, Cal., the Pacific Coast Terminus of the Southwestern Railway System, This part of the Pacific Southwest, favored with a perfect climate, soil of unsurpassed fertility, unexcelled natural advantages, is destined to rank first in wealth and population. For Maps, further particulars, and full information respecting the advantages offered by this part of Southern California, address W. G. DICKINSON, Supt. San Diego Land and Town Company, National City, California, Please Mention this magazine. VorumE IV. WHOLE No. 38. gf ipa = Ha West + Nmerican + Scientist, JUNE, 1888. CONTENTS: Artificial Floating Islands»... 566.6 eee eek Mi Biuysmiany 634 bbs 69 PRR CCE ee oa ua t wee st eek sk eas TEGO. ELOY. sa veie ess 71 URNA! Ae eMC CANS Litre Liu tha auld uitsh « Wlaiwlaugisied 'oleleceis) ssl nace Wedel sehaiee 71 DUMMY ORS eae, Le as De hata Me alga y's WiniaGie'g: ware sieve) aha a aketans eh 72 MATA Lee MAM tas Als NE Siodic nk tdaw's ys hipiielncs Bog elealeid wih ia AVOCA ease Ne A Weil eee iis 73 Cake ORCUDT ire PUBLISHER, SAN DIEGO, - - ~ CALIFORNIA. Price, 10 Cents. Horstords ACID PHOSPHATE, (LIQUWID.) A preparation of the phosphates that is readily assimilated by the system, ESPECIALLY RECOMMENDED FOR Dyspepsia, Mental and Physical Exhaus- tion, Indigestion, Headache, Nerv- ousness, Wakefulness, Im- paired Vitality, Ete. Prescribed and endorsed by Physicians of all schools. It combines well with such stimulants as are necessary to take. It makes a delicious drink with water and sugar only. For sale by all druggists. Pamphlet free. Rumfcrd Chemical Works, Providence, R. I, Beware of Imitations THe West American Scientis?. VOL. 4. JUNE, 1888. No. 38 BRITA CIAL FLOATING ISLANDS. Artificial floating islands, as far as I know, are only found in some lakes of Mexico, where they are used for agricultural pur- poses, and in these floating gardens all vegetables grow very luxuriantly. So far the idea is not a new one, but it has never been carried out on a large scale. Notwithstanding the tropical and sub-tropical climates would be more favorable to the 1 egetation on such islands, we think the temperate climate would also be suitable to it; hence, we wish to call special attention to this subject. The islands can be made of large and powerful rafts of several layers, covered with earth, the latter with sloping sides, so that the center of the island forms a terrace; the slopes are covered with large pebbles to prevent the earth from being washed away by the action of the water. The rafts should be constructed in such a way that other ones could be easily attached to them by means of flat and broad bridges, so the several rafts or islands would gradually cover the lake or other sheet of water so far as should be desirable with regard to navigation; every raft being ready and covered with earth can be used at once as an island and prepared as a garden, or planted with trees. The first raft should be fixed to the bottom of the lake by means of several anchors, every anchor must be brought at some distance from the raft so that the cable may be stretched as far as possible before it sinks down; in this way the raft will be im- movable even in the severest storm, for the stretched cables of the anchors hold it on all sides. The latter are, however, unne- cessary for the rafts afterwards enclosed by others and only to be used for the outside ones exposed to the force of the waves. But the anchors should not be spared. as it is the only way to secure the firmness of the whole. To prevent any accident by ice they should be fastened under the rafts. Of course the sort of wood used must be most durable, and the earth-layers thick enough for the cultivation ot shrubs and trees. There would be also no difficulty in building wooden houses on the rafts, but they should be firmly attached to it; in this way villages might be formed where there is now only water. The height above the level of the water must be the same for all 70 The West American Sctentist. islands and the flat bridges should reach from the terrace of one island to that of another, so the ways on them would also be all at the same level. For gulfs and inlets of the ocean the islands are to be yet more securely fastened to the bottom and so the number of the anchors to be used must be increased. It would be also advisable to pro- tect the rafts from the force of the waves by means of small islands placed at some distance so as to form a line of banks or gulf- breakers; these small rafts could be constructed in a triangular shape, with one of the points directed sea-ward; naturally the e rafts should also be fastened very securely by means of anchors. Of course, iflarge sheets of water should be covered with islands, broad canals must be left open for navigation. After many years the rafts will become so far decayed that they cannot bear any longer the weight of the earth-layers; in this case new ones of several layers should be placed under the old ones; the foundation will then last for almost any length of time. We do not doubt but the idea can be carried out on a large scale; the consequences would be of enormous advantage to agri- culture and commerce. The many and large North American lakes, gulfs and inlets would be very much suited to the purpose Nature itself in constructing the floating islands in large rivers as for instance in the Mississippi, of wrecks, vegetable matter, etc., shows the way in which extensive sheets of water should be made profitable to men. We think it to be necessary that the goverment takes the mat- ter in hand in ordering to try it ona small scale. We hope also these lines may not be overlooked by influential authorities, able to carry out themselves what they think useful and important. MIDDLEBURG, HOLLAND, Feb., 1888. M. Buysman. The model of an earthquake is a unique piece of apparatus that has been constructed by a Tokio seismologist, patiently and laboriously following out the accurate records of a modern seis- mograph. Prof. Sekiya has succeeded in shaping a long coil of copper wire so as to represent, with the utmost precision, the in- tricate path described by a shaken spot of the earth’s surface. The model magnifies fifty times the ground’s absolute motion during seventy-two seconds, and resembles a ball of twine un- wound and thrown down inaconfused heap. Numbered tags show the progress of the shock for each second of time. A Belgian entomologist has produced the numerous color varieties of ceriain coleoptera by chemical means, though he does not claim that his process is that of nature. Alkalies and acids give colors varying from brown through red to yellow, and calcic chloride and heat yield all the tints from green to violet. Albino Towhee.—A Glance at Books. aT ALBINO TOWAZEE. While collecting at Laguna Beach, Los Angeles Co., on Aug. 25th, 1887, I was fortunate enough to take an Albinistic Pipilo fuscus crissalus. When shot it seemed to be in a stupid mood, with its feathers ruffled up. Following is a description of it: Breast white, gradually shading into ashy gray on sides and neck, and chestnut on flanks and crissum. Throat patch brownish yellow, streaked and bordered with white. Back and tail coverts pale brown. Feathers of crown and nape wzfe, each edged and tipped with brown. Tail brown, crossed near end by a dirty white bar, an inch wide. Quills and webs of primaries w/z¢e, the latter edged and tipped with brown. Feet and bill flesh-colored. Iris light yellow. . bethe, & 252-7 Wo, 3.25: 5115 3:87 .. Female, Considerably smaller than the average adult. RIVERSIDE, CALIF. Theo. D. Hurd. waiGLANCEL AT BOOKS. Loms PrizE Essays.—Under this title are comprised four es- says, for which an aggreyate sum of $1100 in prizes was awarded to the writers by Henry Lomb, of Rochester, N. Y., through the Amer- ican Public Health Association. The subjects treated are, Building a Home, Healthy Food, School Hygiene, Disinfection, and the Preventable Causes of Disease, Injury and Death. These are valuable papers and worthy of perusal by all and can be pro- cured for 15 cts. each from Dr. Irving A. Watson, secretary Amer-, ican Public Health Association, Concord, N. H. HAND Book oF PLANT DISSECTION.—By the editors of the Botanical Gazette, Henry Holt & Co., New York, publishers. This is the first work of the kind directed solely to the study of the various plant tissues. The subject in all its branches is treated with great precision and simplicity, and yet comprehen- siveness. The arrangement is excellent, and the book will be found adapted to the use of schools and colleges, or of students working by themselves—an excellent text-book and a valuable addition to botanical literature. WorRLD ENGLISH.— Zhe Universal Language.—Every one has heard of the butcher, who after a long search for his knife, at last found it in his mouth: so speakers of English have been seeking for a universal language, when, lo! it is in their mouths. The intelligibility of English words has been obscured by a dense mist of letters. This is now dispersed by A. Melville Bell, who has already won a world-wide reputation through his invention 72 The West American Scientist. of ‘Visible Speech,’ the great boon to deaf-mutes. Professor Bell calls this new discovery of his ‘World-English,’ and the re- sult is a language which cannot fail to meet with acceptance, and at once supersede the supposed necessity for Volaptik, or any other artificial language. No language could be invented for international use that would surpass English in grammatical sim- plicity, and in general fitness to become the tongue of the world. It is already the mother-tongue of increasing millions in both hemispheres, and some knowledge of the language is demanded by all educated populations on the globe. Social and commercial necessities require that the acquisition of this knowledge shall be facilitated, and it is believed that Professor Bell’s invention has removed the last impediment to English becoming the universal language, for which vague desires have long been entertained, although hitherto only futile efforts have been made. ~*World- English’ is published in pamphlet form by N. D. C. Hodges, 47 Laiayette Place, NewYork, Price, 25 cents. Our NaTIVE FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES —By L. M. Under- wood, Ph. D. The third edition of this valuable book has just appeared from the press of Henry Holt & Co., New York. Of the true ferns it records 156 species, and gives synoptical descrip- tions of the other American Pteridophyta known north of Mexico. The fern allies have 68 species noticed, among them a new genus (Salvinia) and five species—two hitherto undescribed—that were not embraced in the former editions. NATURE STUDIES.—J. Fitzgerald, publisher, 24 East 4th street, New York. P vice. 15 cents. Here are contained four highly in- teresting essays on ‘Flame,’ ‘Birds of Passage,’ ‘Snow’ and ‘Caves,’ by Prof. Lowe, Dr. Robert Brown, G C Chisholm, and James Dallas, respectively. An attractive variety of subjects, and the essays are written in captivating style. Nests AND EGGs oF NORTH AMERICAN Birps.—The third edition of this standard work ot Prof. Oliver Davie is now in press. It will contain twelve full-page engravings by Dr. Theo. Jasper and W. O. Emerson, with an introduction by J. Parker Norris. From the advance sheets received we judge the char- acter of the book to be greatly improved and brought up to date in matters of nomenclature and completeness. Price, $1.00. About 350 pp.. octavo. Orders will be received at this office. NOTES AND NEWS. A large eagle was shot last month in Chase County in Kansas. Four barrels of water of the Great Salt Lake will leave after evaporation nearly a barrel of salt. A beautifully carved reindeer’s horn was recently found ina cave in France. This is the latest relic ot pre-historic man. The old Audubon place at 155th street, near 12th avenue, for Notes and News. 73 many years the home of a naturalist and the house in which he died, is to be sold at auction soon.—/forest and Stream. The largest turtle known to have been captured in Kansas weighed 59 pounds. It was taken in the Neosho river in 1885. A party of scientists are boring in the scil at the delta of the Nile in search of rock. A depth of 308 feet has been reached, but no rock was found. The overlying soil to a depth of roc feet was sand. A large deposit of terra cotta clay has been found near Bethel, Kansas. The bed is about three feet thick, and is said to pos- sess excellent qualities. A subscriber informs us that Amsinckia goes by the name of crow- foot in the country,and that Krynitzkia is known as wild sweetalys- sum. The true sweet alyssum, Alyssum maritimum, has become partially naturalized around San Diego. An Italian Microscopical Society has just been formed, whose articles and papers are to be published in Italian, French. Eng- Tish, and German. The address of the secretary is J. Platania, 14 Via S. Giuseppi, Acireale, Sicily. HAWAIIAN BUTTERFLIES—At the last meeting of the Ento- mological Society of London, Mr. E. Meyrick communicated a paper ‘On the Pyralidina of the Hawaiian Islands.’ Mr. Meyrick pointed out that the exceptional position of these islands renders an accurate knowledge of their fauna a subject of great interest. He stated that of the fifty-six known species of Hawaiian Pyra- lidina nine had probably been introduced through the agency of man in recent times; but he believed the remaining forty- seven to be wholly endemic Mr. W. Saville Kent, formerly naturalist at the Brighton and Great Yarmouth Aquaria, is now Inspector of Fisheries in Tas- mania. Mr. Kent is a distinguished scientist, and is well known from his great work on ‘Infusoria.. We may expect important and valuable work from his new field of labor. The Summer Meeting of the Chautauqua Assembly at Pacific Grove, July 5th to 15th inclusive, promises to be an interesting one. Particular attention will be given to natural history, the facilities for study being good The department of General Botany is in the care of Miss M. E.B. Norton, for ten years teacher of this branch at the State Normal School, San Jose: Marine Botany will be taught by Dr. C. L. Anderson, of Santa Cruz, a distinguished Algologist; while Prof Josiah Keep, of Mills Col- lege, will have charge of the class in Conchology. BDITORIAT:: Librarians east and west are asking: ‘Are you never going to publish an. index and title page for THE WerEsT AMERICAN 74 The West American Scientist. ScIENTIST?’ ‘The end of Vol. IV would bea good time; people could bind their volumes,’ suggests the last postal on the subject. Yes, we hope to find time to prepare « complete index and a title page will accompany it, but, while we agree that it should appear with the end of this volume, we fear that it will be delayed until Vol. V appears. M. Buysman, of Holland, contributes this month an article on artificial floating islands. The ideas presented are not of prac- tical value to San Diego, but they suggest a possibly feasible way of providing Los Angeles with an artificial harbor near home and of which they would do well to take notice. We have received of Edgar Cherry, of Santa Rosa, Calif., a few choice specimens of petrified wood, found in the foothills near that place. Where is Mount Diablo, of San Diego county, te ? Do you know ot any place near you where fossil bones or shells are found? then COLORS FOR NATURALISTS A Nomenclature of Colors for Naturalists, and Compendium of Useful Knowledge for Ornithologists. By ROBERT RIDGWAY, Curator, Department of Birds, United States National Museum. Ten Colored Plates and seven Plates of Outline Illustrations. S~wzo. Cloth. Gt.00. For sale by C. R. ORCUTT, San Diego, California. The Savings Bank. Consolida ol National Bank, OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY. In the Consolidated Bank Building, corner of H and CAPITAL PAID IN, = Fifth streets. CAPITAL, - - = $100,000. :-:OFFICERS:-: James M. Pierce, - - - Geo. A. Cowles, - John Ginty, - - President. Vice-President, :- !DIRECTORS:- O.S. Witherby, H. Malinzy, Geo. A. Cowles, James McCoy, E. W. Morse, James M. Pierce, Bryant Howard, Interest Allowed on Deposits. Money Loaned on Real Estate, Secretary and Treasurer, $250,000. SURPLUS FUND, - = 50,000. BRYANT HOWARD, - : - - President. E. W. MORSE, . - Vice-President. JOHN GINTY, - - - - - - .Cashier. W. H. CLARKE, Assistant Cashier. ——DIRECTORS,— O. S. Witherby, John Ginty, James McCoy, Bryant Howard. Hiram Mabury, E. W. Morse, S. Levi, oo fae Exchange on all the Principal Cities of America and urope bought and sold. The West American Scientist. American and Foreign Land Shells. ao Helix. $ _..absolena, Bourg’. .15..acenpsia, Bourg. ..acies, Part. .05..acuta, L. ..adolphi, Pfr. ,15..a'abastrites, Mull. .1O..albolabris, Say. .15..algirus, L. .05..alternata, Say .25..amanda, Morel. .15..aperta, Born. .10..apicina, Lam. .10. appressa, Say. .25..arangiana, Say. .05..arborea, Say. .15. arbustorum, L. ..argia, Boure. .25..arcolata, Fbs. ..arradica, Parr. .20..arrosa, Gld. .15..aspersa, Mull. -20..asteriscus, Morse. ..atlasiae, Mousson. .25..aureolenta, Beech. ..auricoma, Parr. .10..austriana, Ofan. .10 .var. expallesseus. 1.00. .ayresiana, Newc. -10..barbarea, L. ..var. —— .15..bermudensis, Pfr. .75..bipartita, Fer. 1.00..bridge-ii, Newe. -25..bucculenta, Gld, .15._ .californiensis, Lea. ..calendyma, Bour,. opiVals Eb, -10..caniicans, Ziee!. -10..cardidissima, Drap. .05..cantiana, Montague. .05..caperata, Montague. -LO..carinsula, Bourg. 1.00..carpenteri, Newe. .10..carpeiteriana, Bland. ,0O5..carthusiana, Mull. .05..cellaria, Mull. ..certiculus, Gund. .05..cespitum, Drap. .10..clausa, Say. ..claustralis, Zieg]. ..cicatricosa, Mull. 2.00..circumcarinata, Stearns. .05..ciliata, Ofan. .35..citrina, L. .00.. var. —— .56..var. —— .20..cobresiana, Fer. —1L5...columbiana, Lea. .05..coucava, Say. .05..concinna, Jeffreys. -15 conoidea, Drap. -20..conspecta, Bland. . .constantinae, Bourg. . .cooperi. . cornea. .10..costata, Mull. -.eretica, Fer. -10..crystallinus, Mull. ..cumberlandiana, Lea. ..cunninghami, Gray. .25..dupeti' houarsi, Desh. ..dentifera, Say. .15..denudata, Rossm. . .depressula, Parr. ..desertella, Zick. ..desertorum, Fors. 10..devia, Gld. . -edvardsi, Bland. ..ehrenbergi, ..var. chilenbia, Bourg. ..electrina, Gld. . elevata, Say. ..ericetorum, Mull. ..euphorca, Bourg. var. ..eustilbus, Bourg. ..exarata, Pfr. . .exoleta, Binn. . explanata, Mull. . facta, Newe. . faleoneri, Rve. fallax, Say. .faustina, Zieg]. ..fidelis, Gray. ..fleurati, Bourg. ..friabilis, W. G. Binn. ..fulyinosa, Griffith. ..fulva, Drap. ..gaberti, Lesson. . globularis, Ziegl. ..godeffroyana, Garr. ..guamensis, Gay. . gularis, Say. ..haemastoma, L. . heripensis, Mab. . hopetonensis, Shuttl. .. hortensis, Mull. ..var. — .. hoyti, Garret. . hieroglyphicula, Michaud, . hirsuta, Say. .. hispida, 1. ..inflecta, Say. ..infumata, Gld. ..imperator, Mont. . inornata, Say. . interna, Say. . .intersecta. ..jJejuna, Say. ..josephinae, Fer. ..Kellettii, Fbs. .05..labyrinthica, Say. . laevigata, Pfr. .25 Jaevis, Pfr. (sub-fos- sil). .25..lais. .50..var. —— .25..lanta, Lowe, .25..var. .05. .lapicida, L. ..Jauncestonensis, Rve. ..lefeburiana, Fer. . levis, Pfr. .-ligera, Say. . lineata, Siy. .. lineata, — — ..locheana, Bourg. .-lombei, Pfr. ..loricata, Gld. ..macgregori, Cox. ..-mandarina, Fer. ..Marginata, Mull. ..Maritina, Drap. -melanostoma, Drap. . -metaformis. ..-millerii, Pfr. ..Dainuscula, Say. .. mirabilis, Fer. ..mitchelliana, Lea. ..monodon, Rackett. ..var, leaii. ..mozambicensis, Pfr. multidentata, Binn, .05..multilineata, Say. .10..muscarum, Lea. 15... var, —— .20..nemoralina, Petit. .10..nemoralis, L. 1.00. .nickliniana, Lea. -20..nigritella, Pfr. .00..newberryana, Binn. .05..nitida, Mull. .10..nitidula, Dyr. . nivosa, Sby. .00..novaehibernica, Quay. ..nucula, Parr. .. obstricta, Say. .08..obvoluta, Mull. .10..palliata, Say. .-paludora, Pfr. ..parraiana, Orb. pellita, Fer. .10..pennsylvanica, Green. ..perphysia, Pfr. ..personata, Lam. .05. .perspectiva, Say. ..philammia. Bourg. .15..physalis, Pfr. .20..picta, Barn. .05..pisana, Mull. .15..planospira, Rossm. ..plebeia. .10..polygyra, Say. .20..pomatia, L ..poupiilieri, Bourg, ..proboscidea, Pfr. 15..profunda, Say. .20..provisoria, Pfr. ..psammita, Bourg. .20..psara, Bourg. ..puella. .05..pulchella, Mull. .10..pustula, Fer. .10..cereolus, Muhlf. ..rufocincta, Parr. .20..pyramidata, Drap. .20..var. —— .25. ramentosa, Gld. .25..rariguttata, Moussam. ..roemeri. .05..rotundata, Mull. .05..rufescens, Pennant. ..rufvapicata, Parr .10..rugeli, Shuttl. .05..rupestris, Drap. .15..sabulosa, Hazay. ..sayii, Binn. .10. septemvolva, Say . sequoicola, 10..serpentin:, Fer. ..soconensis, Pfr. .10..solitaria, Say. .25..spinosa, Lea. .05.,.splendida, Drap. . .Sportella. .15..stearnsiana, Gabb. .50..var. ——? .05..stenotrema, Fer. .U5..strigella, Drap. .05, .striatella, Anthony. . squlus, Has. ..syriaca, Ehrenb. ..traskii, Newc. ..Vvar. depressa. : ‘thyroides, Say. .townsendiana, Lea. .05. 25. . terrestris, Chem, .terverii. .texasiana, Mor. thayxix, Bourg. .10..tridentata, Say. LQ; .25. Ho May yi Way 25. .trigona, Z eel. .trochiformis, Fer. .troilus, Gld. .troostiana Lea. .troschelli, Pfr. .tudiculata, Binn, . tucanensis, Pfr. --umbrosa, Part. -15..uvulifera, Shuttl. Ovary =e .20..vancouverensis, Lea, .05. .variabilis, Trist. .15..varians, Mke. a. . var, —— err, .20. var. —— 4 , ea 15. -vermiculats, Drap. .25..verticillus, Fer. -10..virgata, DaCosta. ..Viridula, Mke. .25..vittatta, Mull. .05. vyolvois, Parr. .25..zonaria, L. secs —? Stenogyra. -10..gutierr.ri, Arango. -10..junceus, Gld. -10..octona, Chem. -10..octonoides, Ad. Succinea. .05..campestris, Say. .10..elegane, Risso. .15..haydeni, W. G. B. .20. . higginsii. .10..luteola, Old. .05..obliqua, Say. .LO. .ochracea, Betta. .10..oregonensis, Lea. .15..pleuraulaca, Let. .05..putris, L. Vitrina. .25..latissima. .05..limpida. Say. .10..peliucida, Mull. .50..thomsoni, Brazier. Megalomastoma. ..apertum, Payr. ..-mani, Payr, Trochatella, .25..regina, Mer. .25,.var —— -25.. var.— -25..subunguiculata, Payr, Helicina. .25..acuminata, Velr. .25..blandiana, Gundl. ..columellaris, Gundl.. .25.. lucida, .25..mestrei, Arango. .15..musiva, Gld. .-nuda, Arango. ..occulta, Tryon. ..orbiculata, Say. ..pugulata, Poey. ..remota, Poey. ..sagraiana, Orb. ..tectiformis, Mons. ..uberta, Gld. Achatina. . acicula, Mull. .fasciata, Mull. Achatinella. 15. .abbreviata, Rve. .05..citrina Migh, -O5..lo:ata, Fer, ..nubulosa, Migh. 15..rufa. Newe, 25..spirizona, Fer. -10..swiftii, News. -10. tessellata, Newe. .05. .tristis, Fer. .05..turri'ella, Fer. -05..viridans, Migh. Cylindrella. -20..angustior, Wr. -20..atrop"rpurea, Arango .10..elegans, Pfr. .15..fastigiata, Gundl. .00..hidalyoi, Arango, (types). 50... var.-—— -25..incerta, Arango. 25..intezra, Pfr. .20. lateralis, Par. .25..shuttleworthiana, Say -25..vignalensis, Wr. Agriolimax. .15. laevis, Mull. Prophysaon. .-hemphilli, Binn, & Bland. Hemphillia. ..giandulosa, Binn. & Bland. Ariolimax. .-columbianus, Gld. Cyclostoma. -05..dentatuin, Say. .2U..dysoni, Pfr. .05..clegans, Mall. ..inca, D’Orb. 15..mamillaris, Pink. ..occlusus, Morch. .. Olivieri. ..- punctatum. 10. -Santa cruzensis. ..Su catum, Drap. Partula. .-affinis, Pse. . --auriculata, Brod. .. bilineata, Pse. .. bittata, Pse. ..crassilabrls, Pse, .. dubia, Garrett. - elongata, Pse, .. faba, Martyn. Var. .-formosa, Pse. ..gibba, Fer, --guamensis, Pfr, . -hebe, Pfr, .. Var, bella. .. huabinensis, Garrett. -- hyalina, Brod. --Imperforata, Pse, ..lineolata, Pse. be =) =) The West American Scientist. . lirata, Pse. ..mastersii, Pfr. . Nucieola, Pse. . otaheitana, Brug. ..planilabrum, Pse. . radiata, Pse. ..rosea, Brod. .. var, —— ...Tustica, Pse. ..Sinistrorsa, Pse, ..suban-ulata, Pse. . thalia, Garrett. .. varia, Brod. ..Virginea, Pse. Bulimus, ..acutus, Mull. ..albus, Sby. ..arrosus, Brod. ..bivarico us, Gask. .. broderipi, Sby. ..ch lensis, Sby . -conspersus, Sby. . corneus, Sby. ..coturnix, Sby. ..cO jUuimbensis, Brod. ..crenulatus, Pfr. ..decollatus, L. . derelictus, Brod. .. detritus, Mull. ..dufresni, Leach. ..eburneus, Pfr. .-elegans, Pfr. ..elobatus. ..erythrostoma, Sby. ..fulguratus, Jay. ..gualioupensis, Brug. .. hoconensis, Sby. .. klamereri. .. koroensis, Garrett. : Jaevis, Mull, Priel: 3..lubricus, Mull. ..metaformis, Fer. ..var, banda. ..niltocheilus, Rve. . mindoroensis, Brod. ..montanus, Drap. ..mooreanus, Binn. ..morosus, Gld. . obscurus, L. ..pachychilus, Pfr. ..pallidior, Sby. ..piperatus, Sby. . pithogaster, Fer. .. pupa, L. ..pupaeformis, Brod. ..rhodacme, Pfr. . .Tosaceus, Kine. . seemani, Dohor. . Shotellerii, Bourg. ..Sufflatu:, Gld. . tournefortianus, Fer. .-undatus, Fer. ..Var.— ..variegatus, Pfr. . vesicalis, Gld. pu ei Pupa. . alvearea, var. ..armifera, Say, ..avenace, Brug. .. brondeli, Broug. ..californiensis, Rowell. --.chordata, Pfr. (No. 1823). ..contracta, Say. ..edentula, Drap. . fallax. .frumentum, Conti. .. hordeacea, Gabb. ..incana, Say, tme. .- Var, —- ..lostoma, Pfr. .-marginata, Drap. . marginata, Sav. ..marmoratai, Pfr. ..-mumia, Brug. ...muscorun, L. ..ovata, Say. ..quadridens, Drap. . rowe'l i, Newce. . sagraiana, Pfr. . secale, Drap. ..Striatella, Fer. .. tenuilabris, Gundl. ..umbilicata, Drap. 2 ey ee Truncatella. .. californica. . caribbea, Sby. ..costulata, Risso. ..laurantia, var. Fiji. .. laevigata, Risso. 5..bilabiata. Pfr. ..montagui, Lowe. ..pulchella, Pfr. ..Stimpsonii, Stearns. ..subcylindrica, Gray, . vitiana, Gld. Carychium., . exigurem. -minimum, Mull. Orthalicus. -undatus, Brug. Pseudotrochus. .virgineus, L. Chondropoma. .05 ..dentata, Sav. . dilatatum, Gundl. .. blaini, Gundl. . egrezium, Gundl. .gundlachi, Arango. . latilabre, Orb. .-moestrum, Shuitl. ..obesum, Mke. . .sagebieni, Payr. ..shuttleworthi, Pfr. ..sordidum, Gund. . .trvoni, Arango. Clausilia. .uboguttulata, ner. Wag- ..binotata, Zieg1. .. biplicata, Ofan. ..bidens, Tarton ’ (types) . . caerulea, Fer ..crassicosta, Benoit. . exarata, Zieg]. . gibba, Ziegl. ..kutschigri, Kust, ..laminata, Montagu, ..latilabris, Wagner, . nigricans, Fult. ..punica, Bourg. . rugosa, Drap. ~ ..ventricosa, Drap. Tudora. »..fecundum, C. B, Ad, 1.00. 1.60. Punctum, . pygmieum. 5 Ferussacia. ..amauronix, Bourg. ..carnea, Bourg. Cistula. . ilustris, Say. Pitys. .fratercula, Pse, Binneya. -notabilis, Cooper. Ammonitella. 1.00. Oi .30 LO; .yatesii, Cp. Cleopatra. -bulimoides, Jickeli. Glandina, .truncata, Say. Liguus. fasciatus, Mull. Cyclotus. Blandiella. .filicosta, Gundl. Proserpina. .depressa, Orb. Pupina. -meridionalis, Pfr, Omphalctropis. .20 py 5 13 ..ochrostoma, Pse. Ctenopoma, ..garridianum, Gundl, ..bilabiatum, Orb. Diadema, .- parva, Pse. EDO: .scalariformis, Pse. Valonia. -minuta. es Meadia. ..dissumulans, Payr, Cionella. .05..ludrica, Leach. .Od.. subeylindrica L. Macroceramis. .20 ..daliianus, Rland. ~ HE above fine collection of American and Foreign Land Shells, containing over 500 species and varieties, and representing forty-six genera (exclusive of Macrocyclis, Zonites, etc., included under Helix) is offeree for $300 cash. Over 2000 specimens will be included; with the duplicate series there are over 4000 Specimens. Prices are given for single specimens in good condition from the duplicate series, prices inchiding postage. for cash. Books or other shells are desired in exchange for marine shells. The above only C. R. ORCUTT, San Diego, California, U. S. A. —— The West American Scientist E. M. HAIGHT’S BARGAIN LIST ee 7 oe eS Loe, Oa. TrerRms—Cash, with order, and if in any amount less than twenty-five cents, add four cents extra for package and return postage. . “aes on \Indian Arrow Heads (imperfect) ay 05 eggs are all perfect, one hole, side| Japanese Paper Napkins. ..-.. 2 for 05 blown, and can be supplied either singly | Liver Beans..... .......... ee A5GtO. "O or in full sets with data. Money Cowry Shellses: 5...) =... a 2 for 05 A. O. U. No. Eccs Price| Pampas Grass Plumes, 15c. each, 2 No. : IN SET. PER EGG ier Lecce oe. for. Soc. 32° ‘for ma eo Tufted Puff a * We ae G il sine ede ees * ++ $ 75 eee aes cre ae per doz. 05 Ves Reig! eisai, ele dota ee < te 6 T5 Petri d W ; fi ay ie to I OO eles ee eee er ee) os 10209 me eaucnineg Gull... cease. Pie sasss) MOS [eat cre A ieee iad UTE 4S gehen Bide 05 70 Common Tern........... 9 51/04 Sharks Eges Eee ets eet A ts 15 80 Black Skimmer.......... A.i-+ | 08) Sea Urchins, (Pacificl.. ......-.. 5 to 10 meee Parallone Cormorant: ....3.... 50 ; : fee Brandt’s Cormorant ...3.4.... 25 California Sea Shells. Peace COTmorant.s:) sg 000 25} Acmac PersOna.. .. . 1.6 sep eee ns ajaees 03 199 Louisiana Heron....... 3 4.... 08} Chlorostoma Funebrale. . Marr: 03 eae Green Heron 2... 25. 2h... Aes fos) isswella Volcano’ ... a. <2 «.<, + wigs ore sath 12 aoe onamerican Coot. ..2. +: Seine oats | PLoMotsreracheradit;.. .. . «+ a. 05 to 1 00 wee wournine Dove... .... 2.2: Pee te OO) |) be CILIA oIOIDL ER) 12. wise h apeiny ns = 4 3 wear 05 378 Burrowing Owl..... FG A@ ho 24605 " Minerals ge Read Runner. /.. e652. .:. Actes SG A { : Meee ned Shaited Flicker...5 6..... o5 | AS5Manite ....-+.---..+ sees ees 05 to 50 444 Kingbird Bp MERTEN wwe (SAPP Calcite : Ge oho es aoe rile aes 05 to I 00 448 Cassin’s Kingbird....3 4 5 20 | Cassiterite (Tin Ore)... ...--- 05 to I 00 _ oF SE ec rr ar T.... 03| Dufrenite ... ...-- ---+-- 2... 05 tO I 00 498 Red-winged Blackbird.. .4.. Geol PEDUCIOLG wcor- «> » ete eee eee ee 05:10 75 5¢8 =Bullock’s Sainte aa ee So ieener (MUI) 926. peters: 05 to I 00 510 Brewer’s Blackbird ...4 5.... 04| [docrase.. -+--05 f0 I 00 519ga Crimson House Finch..4 5 o4 Petrified Wood (very fine ) ----05 tO I 50 581 Song Sparrow. ...... ASG 02 Vermaculite (or quartz)...... .05 to I 00 591b California Towhee....... oe 25 1,05 U. S. Copper Cents. feaeee arcinal Grosbeak . ....:.. Bieta SOA . 622a White-rumped Shrike..4 5.. o4 oe eae S hp ieee tet a Meee Mockingbird... 2... 0.00555 Apia MOA. ee ie Be beg yt oe 68 pee OWA 2 oi) sc ae cg kv ooo oe emir FIO? Bik Cert a ci a te peels ae oe mee oats Wren.... .:-... Las ae FE ON ETRE OR DR Set ee ee es Oe ae \NT r20 Uneirculated...a. 2 eis Ot S304" aa yore lean - PBs Od a Head to Left Peeper to 30 e PERI Giese: 6 NO ONAN ETE ss cae 30 BeietOr PEC... cle. ee ee ss OS; 1625... 0 Ce a Meeariiep areanemineng es 20 Bee OrP CCH. ee. ee ee eee SON LOT) Poo | ACganedens Aeteene eae 15 bit Wings (3 var. named)......... 5 Ee 2Bt at, nk ee itt ste eat 20 ime Wwecd Pods.............. idiom OS Tee | pono ae A Sane ee eee fe) Cactus Wood, (curious)......... Devo 254 ieie han el eden rie Mae | ai pee more Tree Balls........... ib le, deo AMO «Se gt MR A ge ton pee cel ea 10 Seeorna Ground Squirrel Tails.... 10) 1834.0 “Sheen See eee tee 05 @remese Chopsticks.......... per pair 08 | 1835 Head 1834 ...-.-. VRS) FO ‘ 0 Ot fs See 2 for 05 | 1837 Plain, Hair String............ . “ Siow Matches. wis... 2.04 4: CEES GS: oa ee se ee eign, Wie ter ena ee Oo 45 Ree UGIES: 65. ess ws HORS ST O4O! 2k ees es seen Ue eee een 08 limese Coins (very old). ...... Gach OF | 1852 Elead tovLeit 07 ee O85 es Bean Pods (large and 1868 Bronze, Indian Head eres REM 08 oS) ie eonneets Cae 22a LOSO OTE WORE, TEE SEP EPA Terre ae EE 05 Coral (small white branching)...... 05 e-list sent io ive Oak Tree Acorns...:.. 3 for 05 Any of the lorepotne pale r seo Bales |. Gs to 40 | POSE paid on receipt of two cents for Ee 7 os | each. Birds’ Eggs, Minerals, ees eee Olives i.) ove. oe. 3 for o5| Curiosities. Fifty cents worth o Gold DustSand (S. A.) per package 10] specimens free trom this list to every eee a Bi aes aye S 05 f0 T° new subscriber to THE WEST AMER- Fiorned Toads (stuffed) ............ 50 | ICAN SCIENTIST, who sends $1.00 to Indian Bread Moss..... per package o5|E. M. Haight, Riverside, Cal. The West American Scientist. The Ornithologist and Oologist. ESTABLISHED 1875 Now in its TuHrrTrENTH YEAR as a maga- zine of Ornithology and Oology. The old- est journal in that especial field of science, and fully exemplifies oe anne ‘THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.’ PUBLISHED FOR THE Bristol Ornithological Club As a monthly magazine of value to students of Bird Life. Under the editorial manage- ment of Frederic H. Carpenter. Send 10 cents for a sample copy. None Free. Subscription $1.00 per year. ORNITHOLOGIST AND QOLOGISY, 409 Washington St., BOSTON, MASS. aes’ (2 Eee MORRIS, LLLINOIS. HEADQUARTERS FOR Mazan Creek Fossils. Finest in the world, Choice collections from $1 to $100. Samples, by mail, of Fossil Fern, etc., 25 cetits. Hor 5O Cents We will send you for one year Dat =— COnChOlogists « ncn, The Only Shell Paper in America. 16 Pages Monthly, and full of the Latest and Best Shell News. And the following Handsome Premiums: A neat box of Choice Land Shells, Fresh-Water Shells, or Marine Shells, New Check List of North American Fresh Water Bivalves, or D. D. Baldwin’s Land Shells of Hawaii. Don’t wait, but send 50 cts. NOW to WM. D. AVERELL, PUBLISHER, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. or Berlin H. Wright's | charged by the year. The Botanical Gazette. A well printed, fully illustrated, and carefully edited journal, covering the ' whole field of botany, and especially com- plete in all that pertains to the growth of science in America. There are articles and items of interest for all classes of botanists—the profes- sional, the amateur, and plant lover. The volume for 1887 (twelfth) contained 308 pages, 17 plates and 17 cuts in the text. A series of illustrated articles on Euro- pean laboratories is being specially pre pared to appear during 1888. 42.00 a Year. Address the Editors and Publishers: JOHN M. COULTER,Crawfordsville, Ind | CHARLES R. BARNES, Madison, Wis. 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The West American Scientist. ——— — — The West American Scientist. ®€—2.ESTABLISHED 1884.29 ; CHARLES RUSSELL ORCUTT, Editor, - ~ San Diego, California. Associate Editors :—Prof. Josiah Keep, Mills College, Cal.; R. B. Trouslot, Valpara'so, Ind.; Wm. E. Loy, 4238 Clay St., San Francisco, Cal. THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY. An illustrated monthly magazine, devoted to the recording of original investigations aud thought and the popularizing of the natural sciences. roa SUBSCRIBERS. The price is $1 a year, when paid in advance; $1.25, if not so paid. Ten dollars paid at any one time entitles the subscriber to a copy for life, or so long as the magazine may be published. Subscription price for Great Britain, five shillings. Back numbers, with a few exceptions, can be ob- tained at 10 cents cach. Remit by express or Post Office money orders, pay- able to C, R. Oxcurt. rs Subscription and Advertising Agents: E. M. Hateut, Riverside, California. R B.Trovustot & Co., Valparaiso, Indiana. W. P. Cours, 157 Gt. Portland St., London, England. Address Hen WEST AMERICAN: SCIERELIS 5 San Diego, California, DAN DIEGO LAND wi TOWN COMPA This Company offers for sale in tracts to suit purchasers 50,000 Acres of the Choicest Fratt Lands on the Continent In 20 and 40 Acre Tracts, Also near National City, on Motor Street Railway line, 5-acre tracts for Homes, with ample supply of pure, cheap soft water. Business and Residence Property in San Diego and Wational City, These lands lie adjacent to the Bay of San Diego, Convenient to Towns, Markets, Schools, Churches and Railread facilities. For profitable and successful culture of Oranges, Lemons, Apples, Grapes, Pears, Peaches, Apricots, Olives, and an endless variety of other fruits, besides Gardening, General Farming, Raisin, Wine and Grape Growing, these lunds offer advantages not found elsewhere, and will be sold to Actual Settlers at Low Prices and on HKasy Terms. The Company also effers for sale Lots snd Blocks in National City, Cal., the Pacific Coast Terminus of the Southwestern Railway System, This part of the Pacific Southwest, favored with a perfect climate, soil of unsurpassed fertility, unexcelled natural advantages, is destined to rank first in wealth and population. For Maps, further particulars, and full information respecting the advantages offered by this part of Southern Oalifornia, address Ww. G. DICKINSON, Supt. San Diego Land and Town Company, National City, Oalifornia, Please Mention this magazine. pertaining to the City or County will be cheerfully answere The West American Scientist. THE IMMIGRATION TO SAN DIBGO ling be iy and Cou Ragdy, XTENSIVE Improvements are going on, values are increasing steadily, and the town is now ripe for a good suburban town adjacent to San Diego. Appreciating this fact and taking time by the forelock, we have secured a tract of a land in the beautiful Otay Valley, ten miles southeast of San Diego, lying inland from the bay two miles, and from the ocean four. Far enough to avoid the fogs and raw winds sometimes quite uncomfort- able on the ocean. Surrounded by fruit farms where grow in luxuriance the apple and the orange, the lemon and the peach, the apricot and the lime, the nectarine, the olive, guava, plum, prune and grape in every variety; in short, all fruits and vegetables known to tem- erate aud semi-tropical latitudes, and where the rose, geraniums and all kinds of beauti- ul flowers bloom the year round in the open gardens, oy OTAYV ke | HIS TRACT slopes gently to the South, just enough for drainage. The climate is not excelled in the world, and the whole tract is underlaid with pure, soft and cold moun- tain water at a dcpth of from twenty-five to forty feet. We have platted this magnifi- cent piece of land under the name of Otay in honor of the valley, and so popular is the lo- cation that one hundred lots were taken in a retail way within two hours of the time it was put on the market. We have put a steam motor on the ground and several trains are running daily between Otay and San ani: We have also connected:it by telephone, se- cured a postoffice, a fine store, hotel an church, and aim to do everything in our power to advance the interests of the place. It is just the right distance out for Suburban Homes, and for investment cannot be excelled on this coast of great possibilities. Believing in the nimble sixpence we have put the lots on. the market at a small profit to ourselves and giving all investors an opportunity to make a handsome profit. : livery.stable. Have given anice corner fora , BUY NOW! And secure a holding in the land of perpetual Summer while you can set it at a mere nominal price. pag-The terms of sale are one-third cash, one-third in three months and one-third in six months, at ten per cent. interest on deferred pay- ments; five per cent. off for cash. Lots range from $roo to $200, owing to proximity to business center. REFERENCES‘ Hon. BRYANT Howarp, President of the Consolidated National Bank, San Diego, Cal. Cou. W. G. Dickinson, of the Land and Town Company, National City, Cal. far We also have for sale on easy terms a choice line of City Property, Fruit and Grain Farms and Stock Ranches. &a@~For those who find it inconvenient to come now, we make careful and paying investments and feel justified in urging those desiring investments to send their money once, as the country-is settling rapidly and prices konto, og ey ortion. Any accuse > ress, GUION, HAMILTON & HARTLEY, S. W. Cor. Sixth & E Streets, SAN DIEGO, CAL. 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